Donald James Johnson was born on September 5, 1926 to Edward Lincoln Johnson and Effie Lula Wallis Johnson. He was the youngest of nine children. After serving his country in the United States Army during World War II-Luzon Islands, he returned to Springfield, Missouri, meeting Betty Beatrice Baker at Doling Park and married June 13, 1947. The "girls" soon followed, Theresa Jo, Donna Jane and Annie, several years later a son was born and preceded him in death. Don was a hardworking, very kind daddy and husband, always inviting some kind of mischief or telling a great story. His friends and neighbors remember him as a generous and sharing man who possessed a quick wit and a mediocre whistle. Don died on August 26, 2010 while in palliative care in a peaceful moment. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, three daughters and their families: Theresa Johnson, granddaughter, Ashley Tucker and her husband David Milam and granddaughter, Cayce Schulz, all of Springfield; Donna Johnson Baldi and her husband, Richard, Bonita Springs, Florida, grandson, Peter Baldi and his wife, Karen, Kansas City, Missouri; Annie Johnson Tracy and her husband, Joe, grandson, Ross Tracy, and two great-granddaughters, Lydia Grace Tracy and Octavia Ellen Tracy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, one son, Donald James Johnson, Junior; one grandson, Donald James Tucker; and his brothers and sisters. There are no words to describe how deeply our daddy will be missed but we are grateful to know that he now holds his son and grandson in his arms. We thank God for that. His life was defined by World War II. He suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder until the end. In the 90's he reunited with many of his Army buddies from the Wisconsin 32nd Red Arrow Division. They remained in touch with him through visits, phone calls, cards and letters. They thought of our dad as a hero, and we did as well. Special thanks for the friendship with Dr. Ralph Knopf, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2010 in Springfield National Cemetery, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.