David Donald "Don" Johnson

David Donald “Don” Johnson was born September 20, 1943, in Logan, Utah, the youngest of the children born to Ella Eugenia Jones and William Alton Johnson. Don was the last of the Johnson tribe, with older siblings Laura, Sharon, Nylene, and Bill, and an infant baby brother who died before birth.

Don grew up in Logan and spent most of his life in northern Utah. After marrying Joyce Buttars on August 9, 1963, his career in the highway construction industry moved the family to various locations in Utah and Idaho. The family finally settled in Brigham City in 1969, where Don lived for the last 56 years.

Don started his construction career with WW Clyde and then worked for both Jim Reed and Fife Construction. While Don was building highways in the Mexican Hat and Fry Canyon areas, he made time to take the family rockhounding and loved polishing their finds and exploring in the red desert.

To provide more long-term stability for his family, Don transitioned his career from highway construction to a position in Roads and Grounds Maintenance with Thiokol and later ATK. Don was highly skilled at operating all types of heavy equipment and worked for ATK until he retired in 2009. Don was well-loved and respected by all his coworkers and developed many special, lasting friendships during this time.

While working at Thiokol, Don also drove a truck part-time on the weekends for Gossner’s Cheese to earn extra money. He always took care of his family and wanted them to have the very best he could provide.

Don was the first person to show up whenever help was needed. He served in Boy Scouts, as a home teacher, and was known for plowing the driveways of countless neighbors throughout many winters.

Don loved to travel and after retiring, enjoyed trips to China and Hawaii and cruises to Alaska and the eastern Caribbean. Don also enjoyed going out to eat, especially for a good steak dinner.

Don was a skilled craftsman in woodworking and mechanics, and he could fix anything. He loved fishing and tied his own flies. Don enjoyed riding the trails with friends and family on their side-by-side and four-wheeler.

Don loved visiting with friends and family and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.

Don passed away on April 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children, Troy (Eden) Johnson, Tracy (Kevin) Rasmussen, Shannon (Kim) Johnson, Jan (Adrian) Kuester, Kris (KC) Anderson, his 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A viewing for close friends and family will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E 200 S, in Brigham City.