Donald Lee Johnson, 99, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024. Don was born March 18, 1924 in Baker, Oregon to Emil and Elizabeth (Schnarr) Johnson and was preceded in death by wife Betty (Williams) Johnson; brothers Vernon Johnson and Floyd Johnson.
The Johnson family moved from Oregon to Pueblo, CO when Don was a few months old and his father, who had apprenticed as a blacksmith in Idaho Springs, CO, took a job as a machinist with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. They soon moved into their family home on E. 11th Street which was just about the edge of town. Don was very proud of his lower east side roots and counted many lifelong friends from the neighborhood.
Don graduated from Centennial High School in 1942, enlisted in the Navy November 17, 1942, and attended the Naval School of Music in Washington D.C. He then served six years as Musician Second Class stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI including a two-year tour in China. Don was honorably discharged December 9, 1948 and returned to Pueblo.
Don chose to attend the University of Denver, where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education. He then returned to Pueblo and began a 30-year career with District 60 in 1953. He met fellow teacher Betty Williams, and they were married the following year.
His love of music continued, and he was able to play with many different musicians and bands. He could be seen with the Pueblo Municipal Band, the State Fair Rodeo Band, Frank Bregar Sr, Lou and Margaret Woodward and a variety of Al Kaly Shrine groups among others. Most of the time he could be seen behind the drums, but he also performed on guitar and banjo. Our favorite piece of trivia is that in 1976 he played guitar and recorded in a band with Ed Cassidy, the drummer for the rock band Spirit.
In his spare time he enjoyed making and giving away jewelry, gardening, canning sweet, bread & butter and dill pickles, and volunteering at the library. He enjoyed daily walks and remained active until he was slowed down by a stroke.
Don is survived by sons Barry (Mary Ann), Brian, daughter-in law Julie, grandkids Brett (Angela), Erin, Taylor (Hannah) and Emma (Nick).
The family wishes to thank the staff of Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center in Florence, CO for the excellent care they provided at the end of his life. A private memorial service will be held at a later time.
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