Don Johnson, 71, Columbia City, passed away at 2:35 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at his home.

He was born June 23, 1945, in Wolf Lake to Robert and Hazel (Green) Johnson and spent most of his life in the Churubusco area.

Don graduated from Churubusco High School in 1963, International Business College in 1965, and later received a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education from Saint Francis College. He the pursued a 30 year career in the field of Education. He was a business teacher/ICE vocational coordinator and Guidance Counselor with Smith Green Community Schools. He later retired from Columbia City High School as a Guidance Counselor.

After high school, Don was employed by International Harvester Company where he met the love of his life Terry Bollenbacher. They were married in Decatur on Aug. 26, 1967.

Living a Christ centered life was Don’s number one priority. He had a gift of encouraging anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He loved to be with people especially his children, grandchildren, and loved family vacations. He also loved being outdoors, loved the beach, and loved watching the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team while spending time in Bradenton, Fla. He was a lifetime Sunday School teacher and served as an elder at Sugar Grove Church of God, where he was a member.

In his early years, Don served in the 122nd Indiana National Guard in Fort Wayne. During his retirement years, he owned his own landscaping business, delivered motor homes for Don Ray Drive-A-Way in Decatur and later drove as a chauffeur for the Zimmer Orthopedic Company in Warsaw until June 2014.

Don is survived by his wife of 49 years: Terry, Columbia City; his two daughters: Ann (Eric) Johnson, Cincinnati, Ohio; Amy (Brock) Skinner, Churubusco; his twin brother: Ron (Sherry) Johnson; and his brother: David (Jann) Johnson, both of Churubusco; his sister: Janne Buesching, Fort Wayne; four grandchildren: Nathan Johnson; Sarah Johnson; Jalynn Skinner; and Brant Skinner. He was precided in death by his parents: Robert and Hazel Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov.28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Sugar Grove Church of God, Churubusco.

The family will receive friends at the church from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov 27, calling also an hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to Sugar Grove Church of God or Parkview Home Health and Hospice, of Whitley County. Sheets and Childs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.