In loving memory of
Donald Lee Johnson
1948 - 2026
MIDDLETOWN, OHIO – Donald Lee Johnson, age 77, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Kettering Health Miamisburg Hospital. He was born on August 2, 1948, in Middletown, Ohio to the late William Curtis and Edith (Armstrong) Johnson. He was a graduate of Middletown High School, class of 1966. On October 18, 1969, Donald married the love of his life Paula Adams in Trenton, Ohio. Together they shared a beautiful life and created unforgettable memories.
Donald was driven by a sense of duty and patriotism to serve his country. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1966 as an Ammo Tech and served in Vietnam. During his military service, he earned several medals and ribbons for his dedication and skill. These medals include a National Defense Medal, Viet-Nam Service Medal, Viet-Nam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Rifle Expert Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After his distinguished service, Donald worked as a Steel Worker for Armco Steel and retired in 2005.
In his spare time, Donald enjoyed hunting and loved knives. He was an avid collector and sold various knives. He also really loved sports, especially baseball. Donald also used his free time to volunteer as a Firefighter for Monroe, Ohio. Donald was a dedicated member of the Middletown Church of Nazarene. He loved his family, his country, his church and most importantly, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Paula Johnson; children, Reverend Michael David (Laurel) Johnson, Jeffrey Todd Johnson, Julie Anne (Jamie) Collier; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Wanda) Johnson, Curtis Johnson and Sara Dunn; mother-in-law, Catherine Deaton; sister-in-law, Carla Hensley; and great friends who were more like family, Ben and Bertha Grauman.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Johnson, and his father-in-law, Silas Deaton.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Middletown Nazarene Church, 215 S. Sutphin St. Middletown, Ohio 45044. The funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM with Pastor Adam Profitt officiating.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 9:30-11:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in honor of Donald. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Donald’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Donald was driven by a sense of duty and patriotism to serve his country. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1966 as an Ammo Tech and served in Vietnam. During his military service, he earned several medals and ribbons for his dedication and skill. These medals include a National Defense Medal, Viet-Nam Service Medal, Viet-Nam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Rifle Expert Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After his distinguished service, Donald worked as a Steel Worker for Armco Steel and retired in 2005.
In his spare time, Donald enjoyed hunting and loved knives. He was an avid collector and sold various knives. He also really loved sports, especially baseball. Donald also used his free time to volunteer as a Firefighter for Monroe, Ohio. Donald was a dedicated member of the Middletown Church of Nazarene. He loved his family, his country, his church and most importantly, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Paula Johnson; children, Reverend Michael David (Laurel) Johnson, Jeffrey Todd Johnson, Julie Anne (Jamie) Collier; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Wanda) Johnson, Curtis Johnson and Sara Dunn; mother-in-law, Catherine Deaton; sister-in-law, Carla Hensley; and great friends who were more like family, Ben and Bertha Grauman.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Johnson, and his father-in-law, Silas Deaton.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Middletown Nazarene Church, 215 S. Sutphin St. Middletown, Ohio 45044. The funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM with Pastor Adam Profitt officiating.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 9:30-11:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in honor of Donald. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Donald’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Visitation 
- Fri, March 13, 2026
- 11:30 to 12:30 PM
- Middletown Nazarene Church
- 215 S. Sutphin St. Middletown
- Middletown, OH 45044
- Telephone: (513) 422-9565
Service
- Fri, March 13, 2026
- 12:30 PM
- Middletown Nazarene Church
- 215 S. Sutphin St. Middletown
- Middletown, OH 45044
- Telephone: (513) 422-9565
Additional Details
- If you need immediate assistance or have any question regarding the details of this funeral, please call 1.800.308.3590.
For additional information about ChurchFunerals Direct Network, please email your request to info@churchfuneralsdirect.com.
