Donald J. Johnson

Donald J. Johnson, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. He was born May 21, 1923, near Oconto, Nebraska, to Ralph and Lottie Bell (Preston) Johnson. He attended grade school at District #231 until the 8th grade, which was ¼ mile from home. Don then began high school in Lexington in 1936, at the age of 13, but the depression was bad and he remained at home for the next year. By 1938, Oconto had completed a new school building to accommodate grades 1-12, so he finished high school there. In spring of 1945, he was drafted into the United States Army. He spent two years in Japan, until being honorably discharged in 1947. Don returned from the service and began farming. He was united in marriage to Ilece Potts in the spring of 1950. In 1983, the couple retired to a home by the Overton Golf Course. They enjoyed their time there where Don loved to golf. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. Ilece passed away in October of 1992. He found love again at a dance in Miller, Nebraska, and was married to Irene (Clark) Johnson on March 24, 1994, in Ogallala, Nebraska. The couple enjoyed dancing, growing a large garden, playing pitch and bridge. Don also enjoyed meeting friends at the Grand Generation Center where he played a mean game of pool. Don was a member of the Oconto American Legion upon his return from the service, but transferred his membership to the Lexington American Legion. He was also a charter member of the Elks Lodge in Cozad. Don is survived by his loving wife Irene of Lexington, Nebraska; stepson, Kent Johnson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; stepdaughter, Kathlene Cone of Fresno, California; brother, Stanley Johnson of North Platte, Nebraska; sister, Doris Fischer of Lewellen, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Bertha Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Ilece; parents; an infant brother, brother, Ralph Johnson and sister, Berdina Mulhair. Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. that same morning at Oconto Cemetery in Oconto, Nebraska with Military Honors. Visitation will be held prior to leaving for Oconto from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.