David Butler Johnson

David B. Johnson, 28, of West Barnstable and Dyersburg, TN, died tragically, July 11, 2017. He was born June 18, 1989 in Falmouth, MA- a “native Cape Codder”. David attended schools in Barnstable and Middleboro, MA, and graduated high school in 2007. He briefly attended Cape Cod Community College before he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at various posts in the U.S. before he was sent to Iraq as a 13B10 Cannon crew member. PV1 David Johnson served honorably in Iraq and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Star, and the Army Service and Oversea Ribbons.

David, “DJ”, is survived by his parents, Rick and Ellye Johnson, and sister, Hailey Johnson, of West Barnstable, and the “little love of his life”, Nevaeh Johnson, Dyersburg, TN. Also, David leaves a brother, Glen Duguay and his family of Orleans, and a sister, Erika Eisnor Duguay Baxter. In addition, he leaves behind his aunts and uncles: Janet and George Bausch of Brewster (godparents), Sande and David Garton of Wisconsin and Colorado, Eileen Ide of VA, Marilyn and Bernie Snyder of Malden, MA, Jim Johnson of Hyannis, and Bill Johnson of Groton, CT, as well as cousins Ashley Garton, Jennifer Holst, Henry Holst, Alexis Holst, Lt. G. Brandon Bausch, Abigale Bausch, Katrina Greene and Kyle Johnson. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Barbara Holst, grandparents, Fritz and Anita Johnson, uncle, Hank Holst and cousins, Jason Ide and Brian Johnson. David will also be sorely missed by his numerous friends on Cape Cod and in Tennessee.

David had an infectious smile, and a penchant for mischief. Above all, he was a kind person with a big heart- he was always willing to help a friend in need. He was a gifted artist and had a special talent for drawing. He also loved to sing and dance and enjoyed participating in Mr. Sullivan’s productions, most notably “Scrooge”, at Barnstable High School. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed all kinds of activities: traveling with his parents and sister to Puerto Rico, the Caymans, and Disney World, cruising with his Uncle “DQ” and Auntie Sande throughout the BVIs, playing on the Brewster flats at “Grossi’s beach” with his cousins and family, swimming with his “three brothers” and sister to the raft at CBA, boating and fishing with his family and friends, playing soccer, and hunting with his mentor Stephen O’Neil.

Despite David’s struggle with PTSD, he was a hard worker and was employed as a landscaper at Maffei in Mashpee, and as a prison guard and landscaper during his time in Tennessee.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Doane, Beal, and Ames Funeral Home, Hyannis MA. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, 7-17-17, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Victory Church, Centerville, followed by burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

Even though David’s unexpected passing left us with a “tremendous void in our hearts”, we can take some comfort knowing that his struggles are over and he is finally at peace. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Veteran’s charity of your choice, or perform a random act of kindness for someone in need.