Donald L. Johnson

Donald LeRoy Johnson, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Don was born January 27, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa to Bert and Noretta (Pinegar) Johnson. He married Belva “Jeanne” (Higgins) Johnson on February 20, 1954, and they enjoyed 58 years together before Jeanne’s death in 2012. Don worked for over 28 years as a Foreman at the packing house in Des Moines. Before he retired, he worked helping his brothers in various jobs for several years. Family was Don’s top priority and he was always available to help whenever someone needed an extra hand.

Don loved sports. He coached Little League Baseball, and continued to enjoy being a spectator in later years. He and his brothers would call each other to complain about the games. He always stayed in touch. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping.

He is survived by his sons, Don Johnson and Tim (Karen) Johnson; daughter, Brenda (Tom) Pauscher; daughter-in-law, Shirley Johnson; brother, Alfred (Beverly) Johnson; 9 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne; son, Michael Johnson; parents, Noretta Fink and Bert Johnson; brothers, Clarence and Robert Baysinger and Bert Johnson; and his sister, Lois Baysinger Heeter.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, also at Hamilton’s, and will be followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. There will be a luncheon after the burial at Oakwood Assembly, 4450 E Oakwood Drive, Pleasant Hill. Casual dress is encouraged.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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