Donald F. Johnson
Age 93, of Grand Ledge, MI, passed away on April 4, 2017. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on March 17, 1924, to Francis and Fern (Mastellar) Johnson. His family later moved to East Detroit, where he graduated and was a two-time state champion wrestler. Don attended Michigan State University, where he pursued a degree in Education and was a member of the wrestling team. His education was interrupted by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He and his brother quickly decided to enlist in the military. Don transferred to Western Michigan University to attend Naval Officer training. There he met his future bride, Jean, who preceded him in death on August 11, 2007. He was deployed in the South Pacific during WWII as an Underwater Demolitions Specialist. After completing his military obligation, he returned to MSU to complete his degree. Don was named captain of the wrestling team in 1947, and went on to become an All-American in his weight class.
Don treasured his long career as a teacher, coach, and principal at Lansing Eastern High School, retiring in 1983. His devotion to education, sports, and his students resulted in a stellar career and he was honored by having the Lansing Eastern Fieldhouse named after him. He coached five State Championship teams and 53 individual State Champions while at Eastern. Don was inducted into the Eastern High School Hall of Fame, the Greater Lansing and State of Michigan Halls of Fame, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Norman, OK. He was extremely proud of the high standards and academic achievements of the Eastern students.
Surviving are his 3 daughters, Susan (David) Rhinard, Cindy (Gen. Robert) Taylor, and Linda (Chuck) Schram. He also leaves behind 8 beloved grandchildren, Dr. Theodore (Rosie) Glynn, Lisa (Joseph) Thompson, Kimberly (Daniel) Snyder, Amanda (Marshall) Perkins, Nicholas Glynn, Meredith (Brian) Hawkins, Sean (Lana) Rhinard, Robert (Tonya) Rhinard, as well as 17 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing, with the Rev. Fr. David Fons as Celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, where the Scripture Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Johnson will lie-in-state at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, c/o the Sparrow Foundation.
20 Messages to “Donald F. Johnson”
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Virginia DeLuca
April 5, 2017 at 7:16 pmI always loved talking and visiting with “Coach” every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Gerard Church. I would always greet him with a big HUG!!! I remember visiting him at Independence Village and we had a great talk. He was a special person and will be missed by many.
Brent Field
April 6, 2017 at 4:04 pmMr. Johnson was my principal at Eastern from 1970-1973. I always liked him. Fair, disciplinarian and I believe respected by all. RIP Mr. Johnson. You touched a lot of kids lives, for the better. God speed.
Dana Christine Barajas
April 6, 2017 at 6:58 pmHe loved Eastern and all of the Quakers as if they were his own family. So glad to have known him during my time at Eastern and through the Lansing Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame. They don’t make ’em like him anymore. He was so proud of Eastern and what it stands for. Rest In Peace. Chris Barajas, Eastern High a School Class of 1982
Scott Schram
April 6, 2017 at 7:10 pmI remember Mr. Johnson – affectionately “The Don” during my years at Eastern H.S. from 1976-1979 – as a great man, and a great influence on me and my friends. In fact, we still talk about him to this day whenever we catch up and start reminiscing about our high school years. He certainly kept us in line, but was always fair and friendly, and was a pillar of Eastern High. Honored to have known him. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Mickie hyatt andrews
April 6, 2017 at 8:15 pmEastern class 1969 great coach and principle he will truely be missed condolences. To the family
Linda Van Buren
April 6, 2017 at 8:33 pmSo sorry to hear of his passing.
Lansing Eastern class of 1974
Patsy Haga Williams
April 6, 2017 at 10:42 pmGod Bless!! Class of “71”
Bruce Merritt
April 6, 2017 at 11:46 pmI just saw where Mr. Johnson had passed. My heart is heavy, My father Hobe Merritt thought the world of Don and I know it was mutual. They had a great respect and love for each other and both strived to make the world a better place through love, friendship and caring for others. They loved those kids and that school !! Mr Johnson always had a smile and words of encouragement for me. Don my father and I went to Western Mi. to watch Mr. Allen and the Quakers bring home a class A state title. They were the best, I hope they are both finally together again in heaven, my dads been up there waiting for his old partner. I know they will be talking wrestling and football and making sure folks treat each other with respect. R.I.P Mr. Johnson you will be missed.
Denise (Brandell) Mastrocola
April 7, 2017 at 1:06 amDear Mr. Johnson, You found a way for me to remain at Eastern for my Senior year even though my family had been obliged to move to the Waverly School District the previous summer. My new school wouldn’t honor all of my credits from Eastern and they were going to hold me back. My parents came to you for help because they didn’t know what could be done. You could have told them there was nothing you could do, but instead you said, “We’ll find a way, I don’t want to loose a good student” I have never forgotten how you went to bat for me! You will be missed, but Heaven has gained a great spirit!
Cynthia Gilman-Sanader
April 7, 2017 at 4:42 amMr. Johnson will forever be greatly remembered by all of his Eastern High School students as our loyal loving Quaker Dad who was not only a fine and outstanding principal to us, but also a dad to many. He was well-loved and respected and reached out and touched lives during our three years we had the privilege of knowing and being around him. He will be sadly missed, but wonderful memories of him remain. Condolences and prayers to all his wonderful family!
~ Cindy Gilman, Class of 1971, LEHS
R.T. Brown
April 7, 2017 at 7:41 amDon was my Principal during my student teaching at Eastern in 1967 and quickly became my example of the Principal to work for. The best I could manage was to teach at Pattengill next door. He eventually became Principal of Pattengill for a time so that my wish was granted. All of the students and staff that his life touched were changed in a positive manner. We miss the many examples of leadership, love, and discipline that he provided in our lives.
Steven and Melissa McGrath
April 7, 2017 at 5:04 pmWe had the privilege of being students at Lansing’s Eastern High School when Mr Johnson was the principal 1976-1979. Melissa’s mother considered sending her to Lansing Catholic Central, but upon meeting Mr. Johnson and learning of the academics offered at Eastern her parents decided to send her there. Mr. Johnson was a fair but strict principal. We were laughing as Steve explained to our 22 yr old daughter how Mr. Johnson could break up a fight between two boys by separating them, one in each hand. Whoever was the perpetrator often got the chance head to the wrestling room for a match with the principal. We had to explain to Morgan that those were the days before the school staff weren’t allowed to touch kids. Nobody was ever hurt, but the lesson was learned about who was in charge. We remember him as a friendly open door policy principal who was there for you. We know how so many of the school’s athletes loved him. He did so much good for the world and especially our community. We wish him peace and joy in his heavenly home, reunited with Jean. They don’t make em like him anymore. Our sympathy goes out to classmate Lisa Joseph Johnson who lost am amazing Grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Joe & Connie Conley
April 8, 2017 at 2:47 pmIn August of 2005, we moved into a duplex-style condominium in Verndale Lakes, and our “roof mates” were Don and Jean Johnson. He was deeply saddened when Jean passed away.
Some friends of ours had taught at Eastern when Don was the principal there and spoke highly of him, and at one time Connie worked for the law firm headed by Larry Fowler, who had been one of Don’s wrestling students, and about whom he shared fond memories. Don had many friends, who often stopped by, and he hosted an annual barbecue for them which was always well attended. Don was a good neighbor and will be sorely missed by many.
Yvonne Caamal Canul
April 10, 2017 at 9:20 amOn behalf of the Lansing School District, I send our deepest sympathy to the family of Don Johnson. He was a great educator, leader, and above all, Quaker. My mother taught at Eastern with Don and in her later years, enjoyed his and Jean’s company during Quaker gatherings with Ellie Doersam. Few people have the honor of seeing their names headline a building while alive. Don was a special person who transformed the lives of many.
Victor and Dolores DeRose
April 10, 2017 at 4:07 pmSo sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our deepest sympathy is with the family at this time.
James T. Keyton, Sr. and Family
April 12, 2017 at 6:38 pmWords seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Mr. Johnson’s passing who was was a mentor, coach, leader and friend. We send thoughts of sympathy and support during this difficult time. Wishing the family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Dean and Connie Taylor
April 14, 2017 at 4:23 pmWe want to send our heartfelt condolences to Cindy and Bob and their entire family. We never met Cindy’s father, but he sounds like he was a very interesting character through stories we have heard. We are sure he will be missed by family, friends and the community. May he Rest In Peace.
Blessings to all the family.
Deris Southworth
April 17, 2017 at 6:00 pmDear Cindy, Bob and the extended Johnson Family.
Sending thoughts and prayers.
Deris Southworth (Kalush)
Brian Bauknecht
April 17, 2017 at 9:18 pmOur prayers go out to a family that touched our lives in the early 70’s and then again in Eaton Rapids 30 years later and then again in the U.P. of Michigan.
Thank you to the Johnson family for being a part of our lives.
KEN HOOKS JR
July 28, 2021 at 5:29 pmI collect WW-2 KNIFE’S…I recently had a house fire. When I was cleaning one of my knifes shefs I saw it should the name on it and it says D.F. JOHNSON 609-27-78..I wish I had cleaned it before MR.JOHNSON died and gave it back to him…This comment doesn’t let me post pictures. If any of his children or grandchildren would like to see it email me… I’m not a SCAMMER. I’m just trying to do the right thing. My Grandfather was KIA in WW-2 on the SUBMARINE USS GRAYBACK SS-208…If someone had something of his I would hope they would do the right thing with it. All my info is on the post but here it is again. butchhooks1@gmail.com phone number 910 617 2760.