Donald Lorenzo Johnson, known by everyone as “Donnie,” 82 years old of Owensboro, departed this life in Hendersonville, TN on July 25, 2023, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and grandson. He was born on June 30, 1941, in Lewisport, KY to the late Carrie Muffet and William (Bill) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his five sisters and a host of beloved family members and close friends.
On February 14th, 1964, Valentine’s Day, he married Brenda M. Simmons and they had been married for 59 years.
He found faith in Christ at an early age at Center Street Baptist Church and moved his letter to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 2021.
As a young man, he attended Western High School, he played on the football team, and enjoyed singing and harmonizing in local male groups (Back then, there were no reality shows, called “So you think you can sing.”) He enjoyed sports and played softball with various community teams for the James Mason Community Softball League.
He was employed with the Owensboro Hospital, Green River Steel, and the Owensboro Sanitation Department from which he retired. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to all who knew him.
He leaves to cherish his life, his wife, Brenda M. Johnson of Owensboro; five daughters, Fonda H. Fant, of Owensboro, Talita J. Scarboro (Charles) of Hendersonville, TN, Monzita J. Williams of Wesley Chapel, FL, Katrina J. Morrow (Marion), and Kelly V. Johnson of Owensboro, KY; three Brothers, Ronald Johnson and Douglas Johnson, of Owensboro, Jerry Johnson of Lewisport and two sisters, Suzanne Taylor and Nancy Fisher of Virginia; 11 grandchildren, Jai Howard, Katrina Howard, Richard Howard (Katie), Raveona Johnson, Ta’Keiha Johnson, Drake Williams, Drew Williams, Courtney Scarboro, Chase Scarboro, Dondre Morrow and Darion Morrow (Marissa); 12 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ada M. Thames; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and relatives here in Owensboro, Hopkinsville, Louisville, Lewisport, KY and Jeffersonville, IN.
A Celebration of life to honor Donnie will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday August 5, 2023, at Mt Calvary Baptist Church, 507 Plum St, Owensboro, KY with Dr Jeremiah Parks, Pastor, officiating and Rev Larry D Lewis as eulogist. Visitation will be on Friday August 4 from 5 to 7 pm at McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 W 5th St and from 10am until time of the service on Saturday at the church. The committal service will be at 1:00pm graveside at Rosehill-Elmwood cemetery with burial to follow.
McFarland Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Donald Lorenzo Johnson. Please leave memories and condolences for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com