Donald D. Johnson
June 23, 1929-November 11, 2025
Donald D. Johnson, 96, passed away on November 11, 2025 at Sugar Fork Crossing, in Anderson, IN.
He was born June 23, 1929 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Clarence and Leona (Boggs) Johnson. Don married Betty Jo Hyman on June 1, 1950 after which he graduated from Pacific Bible College, Portland, Oregon, in 1951 and The School of Theology, Anderson, Indiana in 1955. It was in June of 1955 that Don was ordained in the Church of God. Further formal education included a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Pacific School of Religion, Berkley, California in 1965, and a Master of Sacred Theology in Culture and Clinical Studies at Christian Theological Seminary in 1970.
Growing up in Pontiac, Michigan naturally pointed Don toward a career in the automotive industry. One day, however, his uncle, Grover Johnson, a Church of God pastor, challenged him with the words: “Don, I think God may be calling you into the ministry.” Those words and a nudge from the Holy Spirit, set Don upon a life-long journey of ministry in the Church of God as missionary, teacher, pastor, administrator of missionary personnel and missions, and Board member. This journey took him throughout the United States and across the globe to dozens of countries where strangers became friends and friends became family. As far as he traveled, loving each moment along the way, Don was also locally focused, always concerned about the community in which he lived. He worked tirelessly over the years as a faithful Rotary Club member, achieving 100% attendance at weekly meetings over the span of 50 years. Don’s life was a faithful demonstration of what it means to love God and to love your neighbor.
He is survived by two children Don Deena Johnson and John (Gwen) Johnson of Anderson; grandchildren, Ben(Yui) Barton of Kobe, Japan; Stephanie (Donald) Lyngdoh of Kodaikanal, India, Jonni (Kyle) Davy of Pendleton, Will (Mandy) Johnson of Indianapolis; great grandchildren Benjamin Lyngdoh, Hosanna Lyngdoh, Sammy Lyngdoh, Levi Davy, Matthew Davy, Faisal Johnson, Nella Johnson, Chiharu Barton, Kaichi Barton and Izuki Barton; siblings Karen Tindall and Lynn (Trish) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo, a daughter, Cheryl Barton, a brother, Dale Johnson and a sister Faye Houtari.
A memorial service will be conducted at Park Place Church of God in Anderson on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the Bessie Byrum Lounge.
The family will hold a private burial at East Maplewood Cemetery on Friday, November 28, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Anderson University, Donald and Betty Jo Johnson Endowment; or Church of God Ministries Africa Congregational Development Project #42.30322.
Online condolences may be made at www.rozelle-johnson.com.