Obituary of Donnie Johnson

Donald (Donnie) Wayne Johnson, 61, of Doniphan passed from this life on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Donnie was born on May 21, 1959, to the late Charles (Sonny) and Bonita (Bonnie) Johnson of rural Doniphan. He attended Lone Star and Doniphan schools and spent his lifetime in the timber business. On August 29, 1981, he married his soulmate, Sandy (Stratton). The couple were blessed with one son, Donald (Donnie) Johnson, Jr. Donnie was a jack of all trades - from cutting and hauling logs, raising cattle and baling hay. He loved and enjoyed the beauty of Ripley County, especially watching his cattle in the field. He was a member of the Faith Seventh Day Baptist Church of Doniphan, where he always greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. His generous spirit and kind heart touched all who knew him. Donnie was one to never shy away from a conversation or a chance to voice his opinion. His animated personality and fun sense of humor turned strangers into friends and friends into family. He especially enjoyed his time visiting with friends at the family’s restaurant, Donnie’s Fish House, and in later years at Patsy’s Journeyman, with sidekicks “Pippin” and “Jose”, where he was known as “Honest Don”. More than anything, his most treasured time was when he was spending it with his family. Donnie was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. But of all of his titles, Popi was his most cherished. His greatest joy came from watching his grandson, Noah, grow! Donnie is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Donnie Jr., and wonderful daughter (in-law), Kelsey Johnson; and grandson, Noah; siblings, Doug (Betty) Johnson, Connie Hastings, Charlie (Brenda) Johnson, Rosie (Russell) Plumb, Eddie Johnson, and Kim (Ray) Wells; mother-in-law, Ruby Stratton; siblings-in-law, Tonya (Craig) Dale and Jeanna (Jr.) Tillman; 34 nieces and nephews; and 26 great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sonny and Bonnie Johnson; father-in-law, Ray Stratton; and siblings-in-law, Carla (Scott) Portwood and Jimmy (Becky) Stratton. He loved us all well. We are thankful for the extra time we had to spend loving him the last year and a half through his illness, reliving good times and funny stories through his humor. Visitation for Donald (Donnie) Johnson will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 3-8 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.