- Date Of Birth: April 19, 1916
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2010
- State: Arizona
Donald B Johnson Sr, 94, died at home in his sleep on October 21, 2010 with family at his side. He is preceded in death by his spouse of 69 years, Mary, his sister Betty and brother Ben. Don was born April 19, 1916 in Battle Creek, Michigan and grew up in Evanston, Illinois where he met and married his Mary.
Don moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1948 to work for Central Arizona Electric Company which is known today as Arizona Public Service. In 1958 he transferred to Flagstaff. While with APS, he was instrumental in putting the first electric lines from the South Rim of The Grand Canyon to Phantom Ranch and the first electric lines on the Hopi Reservation. Don retired from APS in 1979 and was active in the APS retiree activities (including keeping Fort Valley Road litter free.)
Don was a very active in the Flagstaff Community. Activities included: Coconino County Planning & Zoning Board (1960s – early 1970s), Optimists Club, St. Vincent de Paul (helped to open the store), Salvation Army (sandwiches for the poor), Knights of Columbus (4th degree), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (council and school), both Boy and Girl Scouts and working with Mary in Pilot Club. Don and Mary participate in the NAU student exchange program. One student, Fermin Martinez, became and is still considered part of the immediate family.
Mr. Johnson is survived by three sons, Donald B. Johnson Jr., of Flagstaff, Jr., Kenneth A. Johnson of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Vincent J. Johnson of Flagstaff ; and three daughters, Mary Beth Benedict of Rivera Beach, Maryland, Carole L. Kopeikin of Phoenix, and Rita Anne Johnson of Phoenix. He is survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, 12 nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.
