Donald LaVerne Johnson

Donald LaVerne Johnson, lovingly known as “Dad” and “Papa”, was born on November 14, 1950, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to James Forrest Johnson and Doris Bertha (Senn) Johnson. He passed away on June 17, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. Donald grew up in La Crescent, Minnesota and later attended Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota. After graduating high school in 1968, he enlisted in the army and served from May 20, 1970 to December 27, 1971. Donald was an E5 (Sergeant) in the Army and served on a special weapons base in Germany which housed nuclear weapons during the Vietnam War. He received a sharpshooter award and a national defense service medal. He married Sharon (Fancey) Johnson on November 29, 1975 at the New Post Chapel at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Donald and Sharon moved to Oklahoma City and then later to Edmond, Oklahoma. Donald was employed by Hodges Trucking Company from 1975-2015. In 1994, he received a B.A. in Finance from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. He later became a 32nd degree Mason with the Guthrie Scottish Rite. Throughout Donald’s life he enjoyed spending time with Sharon, raising his son, traveling, cooking, outdoor activities, and becoming a grandparent. Some of his favorite moments were at the lake house in Eufaula, Oklahoma spending time with family and friends. Donald was actively involved at Lake Eufaula Christian Church where he served as a deacon.

Donald is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, Trevor James Johnson and wife, Jolene (Anderson) Johnson, Frisco, TX; granddaughters, Emma Johnson and Katelyn Johnson; his sister, Laurita (Johnson) and husband, Dwaine Machacek, Rochester, MN; his aunt, Irene (Senn) Vix, Houston, MN; along with numerous cousins and two nephews. Donald was preceded in death by both of his parents, James Forrest Johnson and Doris Bertha (Senn) Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Lake Eufaula Christian Church in Eufaula, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake Eufaula Christian Church.