Donald "Don" Ray Johnson

Donald Ray "Don" Johnson passed away on January 2, 2023, in Bossier City, Louisiana.  
Don was born In Athens, Louisiana, on October 25, 1934, to Annie Maude Eskoville and Chester Johnson.

After graduating from Haynesville High School in 1952, he attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, on a football scholarship, where he obtained his degree.

Upon graduation from college, he became a football coach for Homer High School, where the team made school history. They were known as "The Iron Men.”  Don carried fond memories of the players and coaches from that era his entire life.

After his coaching career, he entered private business until his full retirement in 2017.
During his career he was very active in the community.  He was Chairman of the Board of the Bossier YMCA, President of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, was a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Bossier City, and sat on the Board of Directors of Red River Valley Bank.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carolyn Johnson Olson, and brother J.C. Johnson. 

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years Frances Smith Johnson, his son Donnie (Michelle) Zachary, Matthew (Kelsey), Hayes, his daughter Donette Konneker, (Dave), Zoie, a niece, and numerous nephews.

Honoring Don as pallbearers will be Zac Johnson, Matthew Patterson, Brad Ikner, Jordan Smith, Richard Olson, and Michael Olson.

Serving as honorary Pallbearers will be Percy Hubbard, Dennis Wilson, Leo Sanford, Johnny Francis, and Travis Burke.

We would like to express deep appreciation to Johnella Gipson and Ella Patterson for the love and support for Don and our family.

Services will be held at The First Baptist Church Chapel, 2810 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana, on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City, LA. 71111