Donald Frederick Johnson, 80, of Portland
Donald Frederick Johnson
Donald Frederick Johnson, 80, of Portland
Donald Frederick Johnson, 80, of Portland, Ohio, passed away at his home on March 28, 2020.
He was born on May 12, 1939, in Gallipolis, Ohio, the son of the late Thereon and Mary Lew Philson Johnson.
As a child and teenager, he worked alongside his father on the family’s dairy and produce farm in Plants, Ohio, where he developed a lifelong love of farming and boating.
Don married Shirley Ann McKelvey on April 9, 1961, at the Portland United Methodist Church in Portland, Ohio. To their union were born two sons, Brian Arthur Johnson and Bruce Donald Johnson.
He attended Ohio State University after graduating from Racine High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, until 1964. He then came home to Portland, Ohio, to continue farming and raise his family. He worked at Shell Chemical Plant in Belpre, Ohio, until his retirement in 1994.
Upon retirement, he began farming full time, raising soybeans, wheat, and cattle. His hobbies included hunting, competitive rifle shooting, and water skiing on the Ohio River. He could be found at the family’s riverside camp picnicking and boating with family and friends every Sunday during the summer.
He was a member of the Pomeroy Racine Lodge #164, F & AM. He was a dedicated member and trustee of First United Methodist Church of Ravenswood, WV.
He is survived by his sons, Brian (Susan) Johnson of Ravenswood, WV, Bruce (Elizabeth) Johnson of Portland, Ohio; grandchildren, Kassie, Brett, Marissa, and Mallory; sisters, Mary Kay Konicek (Ken) of Strongsville, Ohio, and Virginia Wheeler (Scott) of Cincinnati, Ohio; mother-in-law, Hazel Irene (Hilldore) McKelvey of Portland, Ohio; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Johnson; parents, Thereon and Mary Lew Johnson; and father-in-law, William Arthur McKelvey.
Due to the coronavirus public health crisis, a private family graveside service with Pastor Ken Peters officiating will be held for the immediate family. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for family and friends is being planned for the summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 719 Flinn Avenue, Ravenswood, WV 26164.
Please send any condolences to Roush Funeral Home’s Facebook page. The obituary may also be viewed on our website at www.roushfuneralhome.net.
