Donald "Don" E. Johnson Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023 in St. Mary Mother of the Church for Donald “Don” E. Johnson, Jr., age 80, a longtime resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, who passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 26, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Though the void Don leaves is great, we are comforted with Judy’s response to his terminal diagnosis, “I believe in Heaven.” In honor of his service to his country as a Marine and his unwavering patriotism, the family would like to request everyone to wear red, white, and blue (or your favorite Kart Ranch apparel) to the funeral. The family requests that visitation be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Thursday, March 30, 2023 beginning at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be led by his eldest granddaughter, Gabby Brabner, at 6:30 PM on Thursday evening in the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 12:20 PM. Entombment will be in the Calvary Cemetery – St. Bernard Marie Mausoleum. Reverend Cedric Sonnier, Pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church, will be the Celebrant of the Mass. Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Judy E. Rashid Perrin Johnson: his four daughters, Kristyn Perrin Roche and husband Randy, Ali Johnson Brabner and husband Tony, Jackie Johnson Quoyeser and husband John, and Katie Johnson Comeaux and husband Duane; his seven grandchildren, Andrew Roche and wife Liew Chien, Michael Roche, Gabby Brabner, Nick Brabner, Lauren Quoyeser, Ellie Grace Quoyeser, Jacob Russett and wife Madi; and his great grandson, Myles Roche. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces & nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Sharon Johnson Decker; four brothers, Robert Johnson, Roger Johnson, Bruce Johnson, and Richard Johnson; and one nephew, Ricky Johnson, Jr. Mr. Johnson was born November 12, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska to Donald E. Johnson, Sr. and Irene Moeller Johnson. He grew up in Omaha, NE, was extremely patriotic and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, spending most of his duty on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier. After his years of service, Don graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Civil Engineering while juggling night school, a full-time job, and a young family. Throughout the years, he worked for various structural steel or fabrication companies. In 1978, Don and his family “temporarily” relocated to Lafayette, LA for him to head up a major construction project at Weeks Island. The family ultimately fell in love with the area, and decided to make it their new permanent home. Several years later he designed and built his dream of providing Acadiana with a place for family fun… thus Kart Ranch was born and continues to grow under the family’s second generation. His legacy of family, faith, hard work, and perseverance beautifully provided each of his daughters the opportunity to work closely with their parents for almost three decades. He was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Don was a selfless, generous soul who would help anyone in need whether it was financially, physically, or emotionally; there was no greater example of this than the extraordinary care he gave Judy, following her massive stroke years ago. In saving the best for last, he also became a Catholic and member of St. Mary Catholic Church. At a moment’s notice, Don would stop anything he was doing to provide the best guidance, support, listening ear, and advice to family, friends & employees. In his spare time, Don always loved to spend time on the water whether it was fishing, shrimping, boating, or skiing. Pallbearers will be his four grandsons, Andrew Roche, Michael Roche, Nick Brabner, and Jacob Russett; and his four sons-in-law, Randy Roche, Tony Brabner, John Quoyeser, and Duane Comeaux. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in his honor. The family would also like to thank his physicians and their staff, Thomas Voiter, MD and his nurse, Christen (our angel); Samuel Shuffler MD; and Joseph Brierre, MD, for their compassionate care during his illness over the years. Donald “Don” E. Johnson, Jr., and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. - March 2023

Donald "Don" E. Johnson Jr.

November 12, 1942 - March 26, 2023