Athens - Don Johnson, 96, of Athens, passed away on May 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Don Delbert Johnson was born on July 20, 1928, in Cisco, Texas. He was the son of Edgar Franklin Johnson and Lonie (Herrington) Johnson. Don graduated from Cisco High School in 1945, where he played football for the Cisco Loboes. After high school, he attended Cisco Junior College and continued playing football. For over 60 years, Don worked as a drilling superintendent, starting his career with Lonestar Gas and retiring from Perryman Operating Company. He was a dedicated member of the Lake Athens Baptist Church and was also a Mason. An avid golfer, Don enjoyed outdoor activities, including hunting and cutting wood. Don will be remembered as an outgoing, strong-willed, and kind man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.

Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Margie Johnson of Athens; his children, Debbie Godwin of Athens, Russell Don Johnson of Athens, and Jim Johnson and spouse Bruce Ellerin of Tyler; his grandchildren, Dusty Godwin and spouse Jennifer, Dylan Godwin and partner Zac Haines, Brandon Johnson and spouse Lauren, Don Matthew Johnson and spouse Anna, Jeb Michael Johnson and spouse Megan, and Cristina Campbell and spouse Johnathan; and his great-grandchildren, Karson Godwin, Kaegan Godwin, Jaxon Johnson, Aiden Johnson, Callen Johnson, Payton Johnson, Maverick Johnson, Vinnie Johnson, Delaney Johnson, Ava Dawn Roberts, and Charlee Forbes Campbell.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.