Donald James Johnson

Donald James Johnson 77, of Columbus Township, died Monday, November 6, 2006 at MediLodge of Richmond. He was born December 4, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late James and Ada Coulter Johnson, and had worked various different jobs in his youth, from Free Press Paperboy to seven years at a downtown Detroit Fur Salon. He also worked as a Fuller Brush and Faygo route salesman, followed by nine years at Tasty Chip Steak Co. all in Detroit. Don served his country with the United States Marine Corp Reserves from 1947 until his honorable discharge in 1949. Summer camps were in Camp Lejeune, N.C. His marriage to Carol Ann Ballance was October 25, 1969 in Warren and have lived in Columbus Township ever since. He was owner and operator of Fairway Electric Inc. for over 35 years. Don was Columbus Township's Electrical Inspector since 1974. He was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors for over 33 years and served on the St. Clair County Electrical Exam Board for many years as well. Don had many interests including flying lessons, boat ownership, model railroading, antiques, sign making, and was columnist for the former Richmond Review Newspaper. He recently performed in four plays with the Richmond Community Theater. His favorite Part was Dr. Ford in “The Andersonville Trial”. Don loved his family very much and never failed to express it. He and Carol were 20-year members of Chapter F, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and were honored with a Life-Time Membership by the chapter in 2003. Surviving in addition to his wife Carol of 37 years are 2 sons and daughters-in-law Donald Jr. and Marie of Algonac and Douglas and Debra of Clinton Twp; 5 daughters and 3 sons-in-law Judith Ann and Larry Bishop of Plainwell, Tina Daughtry of Rochester, Peggy and Ron Hodges of Richmond, Joyce Schramm of Armada and Brenda and Gary Bianchi or Romeo; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jason Eastman, brother Austin, and sisters Doritha Christ, Ethel McClure, and Margaret Ewald. His family honors the memory of Donald and invite you to visit and share Wednesday 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond, and attend funeral services 11:00 a.m. Thursday with 10:00 a.m. visiting. Rev. Woodrow Nelson, pastor of Columbus Bible Church, Columbus Twp., will officiate. Entombment will be in Richmond Cemetery, Richmond. Memorials are suggested to “Wishes of the Family”. For information and Guest Book kaatzfunerals.com

Donald James Johnson

December 4, 1928 - November 6, 2006