Don Johnson, Sr.

D onald J ohnson, S r. was born in Fredonia, KS, on February 13, 1943.  He passed away at home in North Platte, NE, on December 11, 2024, at the age of 81.

Don, son of Burt and Velma Johnson, grew up in Kansas and McCool Junction, NE, raised by his aunt and uncle, Shirley and James Purdy.  After graduating from high school in 1962, Don moved to North Platte and went to work for Detlefsen Skelly then Bernie Wilson Volkswagen as service manager.  He later owned D&L Standard Station.  Don eventually hired on at the Sutherland Power Plant and worked as a boiler maker.  His job took him to many different states until returning to North Platte in 1997.  He retired in 2006.

On July 5, 1968, Don married Bonnie Anderson in Lincoln and the couple raised four children.  He was an avid collector of coins, DVD's, baseball cards (many from the '70's on), and Hot Wheels (with over 2,500 unopened cars).

Don was a great husband, father and grandfather.  He taught his kids the skills to work on cars and loved to go fishing with his grandkids and watch them in their sporting activities.  Don leaves us with a lot of great memories.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and their children, Valerie Chitty (Ron) of North Platte and Lonnie (Rachelle) of Nemo, TX; 16 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leon, Raymond, Elvon, Paulene Balldock and Mary Ellen Chandler; and sons, Donnie "DJ", Jr. and Ronnie.

Graveside service is 11 a.m., Thursday, December19, at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with Pastor John Stone officiating.  The guest book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.