Donald Theodore Johnson's Obituary
In Loving Memory
Donald Theodore Johnson passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on April 15, 2025. While in the hospital, he was blessed to be surrounded by family members he so loved and cherished.
Born in Oklahoma City on February 14, 1938, to V.O. and Sybil Johnson, Don often delighted in telling people that his grandfather delivered him into the world - then, with a twinkle in his eye, he would add, "He was a doctor!"
Don's journey of faith and service began early. While still in high school, Don felt God's call to full-time 2ministry. After graduating from Conroe High School in Conroe, Texas, in 1956, he earned his BA degree from the University of Texas, El Paso, in 1961. He went on to study at Perkins School of Theology at SMU, earning his Master of Theology in 1965. He was honored to be conferred a Doctor of Divinity from Oklahoma City University in 1997. While in college, Don served in three different Texas churches, as a youth minister in two of them. During seminary he pastored three small churches in and around Chatfield, Texas, driving each weekday 120 miles roundtrip to and from seminary in Dallas. His first full-time ministry after seminary was as a Campus Minister at Sul Ross State College in Alpine, Texas, where he also taught Bible classes and built lasting bonds with his Wesley Foundation students - relationships he treasured throughout his life.
In 1968, after the tragic loss of his sister, Don requested a move to Oklahoma to be closer to his grieving parents. There he faithfully served congregations in Blanchard, Oklahoma City (B.C. Clark), Tulsa (Aldersgate), Perry, Yukon, and Altus. From 1992-2000 he was honored to serve as the District Superintendent for the Muskogee District of the United Methodist Church. Don retired in 2000 and spent his next two years faithfully caring for his wife, JoAnne, as she battled cancer.
Throughout his ministry, Don's heart for service touched countless lives. He served on numerous boards and on the Circle of Care in various capacities for 35 years. He was honored to act as the Oklahoma State Senate Chaplain for five sessions and one session as a National Park Service Chaplain in California. He enjoyed teaching Bethel Bible Study and Disciple Bible Study and felt privileged to lead mission trips to Mexico, Alaska, the Holy Lands, and Jamaica. Don fondly remembered leading a six-week Oklahoma Conference Youth trip to Europe and later serving as an exchange pastor in Northallerton, England, where his family accompanied him.
In his later retirement years, Don took the responsibility of being an encourager to the young ministers at Asbury. He cared deeply about those young men and so enjoyed his lunches and conversations with them. Since macular degeneration made him unable to see well enough to drive any more, he'd say, "You drive; I pay."
Don's love for ministry was matched only by his love for family. He took immense joy in being a father to Todd and Kristin and had lots of fun stories of their growing up. When grandchildren arrived, Don's heart grew even bigger. When his beloved wife Karen entered his life, bringing with her two wonderful children, Denise and Anthony, and three small grandchildren, Don welcomed and loved them as his own. The joy Don got from being with his eight grandchildren is indescribable.
Hunter, Hannah, Hayden, and Hallye (all who call him Papa), Michael, Cub, and Cole (who call him Grandpa), and Addie (who calls him PopPop) were all recipients of so much love and so many good times with their beloved grandfather. When Hunter married, Don added Hunter's wife, Diane, to his list of grandchildren. Six months ago great-grandson Theo came into his world, and Don's elation was over the moon.
Don was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Karen of 21 ½ years, children Todd (Kellye) and Kristin (Bill), bonus children Denise (Mike) and Anthony (Marie), grandchildren Hunter (Diane), Hannah, Hayden, Hallye, Michael, Cub, Cole, Addie, great-grandson Theo and many cherished relatives.
Don now reunites in heaven with his parents, V.O. and Sybil Johnson, his brother John Ron, sister Patricia, brother-in-law Louie, niece Susie, and nephew Tom.
Don's friends and fellow clergy describe him as an encourager, optimist, faithful servant of God. He was someone who loved Jesus, family, people and the church. Don is deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow clergy.
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