Donald E. Johnson

                Donald Eugene Johnson, 91, of Reno and Franklin, died at 5:24 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025. 

                He was born in Franklin on December 1, 1933 to the late Raymond and Lola (Barnhart) Johnson. 

                He attended Franklin High School as well as Lincoln Tech in Cleveland, Ohio. 

                In 1952, he made the decision to protect and serve his country during the Korean War by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.  He was honorably discharged in 1956 after attaining the rank of Sergeant. 

                Don was a Christian and had a strong faith.  He held active roles in the Protestant Church.  He enjoyed singing in the choir and had a quartet band that produced several Christian albums.  Don also had the opportunity for missionary trips including trips to Kenya and Haiti.  He enjoyed his Tuesday morning Bible Study group that met at Kings Restaurant. 

                He was a loving, caring, and optimistic family man.  Raising five children, he always had a great sense of humor and made the "little things" fun and important.  He had many very good friends.  In his later years, he looked forward to daily coffee and chats.  He was always very kind and helped others when in need.  Don and his brothers shared an interest in cars and many other hobbies. 

                Don had the capacity to see blessings all around.  He had the great capacity to love others unconditionally, and the ability to see the positive in just about every situation.  He was "young at heart."

                After attending Lincoln Tech Welding School, he worked for Witherup Erection, and then at Franklin Steel Mill for 34 years, as a high-rise crane operator.  After retiring in 1994, he drove school bus for twenty years; worked second jobs in the Oil Field, managed Rocky Ridge Village, as well as other adventures. 

                He is survived by his children: Tammera "Tammy" O'Polka and her husband Richard, Holly Dawn Brinker and her husband Duane "Butch" Brinker, Lisa Michelle Brannon and her husband Ed, and Daniel Eric Johnson and his significant other Chris.  He is also survived by his first and former spouse, Virginia L. (Cobb) Johnson; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and some very special great nieces and nephews. 

                In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary "Kathy" (McLaughlin) Johnson in 2024; a son, Richard E. Baker; a sister, Sally St. Clair; and two brothers, James "Rollie" Johnson and "Wes" Johnson. 

                Please say a prayer and smile for all of the good times.  Feel free to reach out to the family to share a memory.  At his request, the family will hold a private service and celebration of his life.  "We rest in the assurance that he is now in the presence of God."

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Community Bible Fellowship Church of Franklin, P.O. Box 196, Cranberry, PA  16319; or to your local Salvation Army. 

                Don's family would like to extend a special thanks to Art, Cliff, and the staff at The Caring Place in Franklin for their care and friendship shown to Don.  They would also like to thank John McLaughlin and his siblings for caring for Don. 

                Private funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca.  To express online condolences to Don's family, visit www.hilebest.com

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