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Donald B. Johnson, age 73, of Vero Beach, passed away on September 6, 2020.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved from Hudson, Ohio to Vero Beach.
Donald was a United States Air Force veteran during the Vietnam era. He served as an Electronic Signals Intercept Analyst, earning NSA – T5 clearance.
Mr. Johnson retired as Senior Systems Engineer with Stambaugh Engineering, Inc. of Bath, Ohio.
He was Captain and live-a-board sailor for many years of coastal and ocean sailing. Donald also enjoyed his time in amateur radio, U.S. Masters Competitive Swimming, SCCA, car racing and aviation where he earned his SE/ME, Pilot and Instructor License, in Akron, Ohio.
Donald was a graduate of Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, Northrop University, Inglewood, CA, and Kent State University, Kent, OH.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Johnson; son, Ian Johnson of Thornton, CO; grandchildren, Abby, Brooke, and Luke; brother, Wade Johnson of Northfield, OH; and niece, Cassie Hummert-Johnson.
Donald was predeceased by his father, James H. Johnson, and his mother, Alice M. Johnson.
Memorial contributions in honor of Donald B. Johnson, may be made to VA Medical Center Fisher House, 7305 N. Military Tail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Jim Rinehart - Friend
September 14, 2020, 8:21 pm
Hi Gloria, so sorry to hear about Don,,,,Jim Rinehart from Moselle.
Dick & Deanna Shepherd - Friends
September 14, 2020, 8:44 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He and Gloria were our boat neighbors for several years at Vero Beach. Sending our deepest sympathy to Gloria and Don’s family. Dick & Deanna Shepherd
Steve Stambaugh - friend
September 14, 2020, 9:14 pm
A great friend, and the smartest guy I ever knew. Loads of great memories, of a nice guy, that will be with me forever. My sincerest condolences.
Cyndy Hazlewood - Friend
September 14, 2020, 9:46 pm
My heartfelt sympathy to my Habitat friend, Gloria and the entire family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of one so loved.
Norm & Holly Cole - cousin
September 15, 2020, 5:11 pm
An infectious smile, zest for life and endless knowledge will be the way we will always remember DB…will miss you, cousin! Love, Norm & Holly
Wade johnson - Brother
September 16, 2020, 3:16 pm
My beloved Brother who I referred to as DB Wizard. I would call him anytime I had a question knowing he could help. He taught me how to do the Twist. RIP my Bro.
Mona Russell - Friend and sailing buddy
September 17, 2020, 7:40 pm
I met Don and Gloria aboard their sailboat, Zaftra in 1999. We sailed some waters together and then became friends when we settled in Vero Beach, FL. I will miss Don’s wry smile and sparkly eyes. They always showed wisdom, mischief and, of course, humor. My condolences go out to Don’s brother, son and the family. To Gloria, I wish many, many happy memories that make her smile each and every day. Don will be missed!
Dee Zachar - Friend
September 20, 2020, 8:59 pm
One of my favorite memories was when DB gave my dog her nickname. My boat was moored in Vero Beach Marina. DB and Gloria had come by for an impromptu party on Vagabond Tiger. Kika, my new Westie puppy, was running around on the hard top bimini. DB stopped to say hello to KiKa. She got so excited she peed. Undeterred, DB smiled, picked her up, pointed at her and said Piddler On The Roof! May you be surrounded by all the dogs in heaven! Rest in Peace. Gloria big hugs to you and lots of love.
John Risteff - Friends
September 21, 2020, 8:51 pm
We will miss Deeb more than we can say. All the boating that started in Port Clinton Oh and ended in Vero surely will continue. I don’t know who I will call for all my music and movie answers, he never disappointed. Keep on sailing, we will catch up Goody Two Shoes and the filthy beast.
Shelley Prickett - Friend - Fisher House
October 13, 2020, 4:30 pm
Gloria and family – I am so sorry for your loss. Praying and thinking of you. Please stop by and see us when you are down this way.
pamela L lyon - Gloria's sister
December 7, 2020, 12:25 am
My dearest sister my best friend growing up sorry to find out about Don you have my deepest condolences.
Simeon - Air Force buddy
February 28, 2021, 5:37 am
Don was my roommate in Wakkannai, Japan for 1 year in the late 1960’s where we served as Russian linguists. We traveled northern Japan together and he was a great friend. I’ve been looking for him for years and years. So sorry he is gone. Simeon Smith Atlanta. Simeon@mindspring.com.
Linda (White) Grimm
July 9, 2021, 4:50 pm
So sorry to hear of DB,s passing. He taught me how to ski. Talk about being patient. My condolences to Wade and his family.
Karl Haydocy - Friend from Air Force
July 7, 2022, 3:18 am
D.B. and I went to F1 race at Watkins Glen in 1966. We were great friends at Syracuse and in Japan and sailing.
Debbie Kotabish (Mary Ethel Stitt) - Old Friend
September 30, 2023, 8:49 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I was looking for him to let him know about the passing of my mom on August 30th at 98. She had his “keep track of” card in her papers. My mom and I lived in Hudson next to the funeral home from 1971 to 1995. So many happy memories of Don, Wade, Alice and Jim. Great family. Love and prayers to all of Don’s family and friends.
Patty Bechtel-Hoy - Friend
December 3, 2024, 8:29 pm
Don was a kind, intelligent, talented and funny man. My sincere condolences to his family.