Johnson, Donald Ray

HEYBURN, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —Donald Ray Johnson, a 70-year-old resident of Heyburn, passed away Friday, November 8, 2024, at his home.

Don was born February 20, 1954, in Rupert, Idaho, the oldest child born to Wayne Taylor and Shirley Ann Ennis Johnson. He received his education in Rupert and graduated from Minico High School in 1972.

At an early age he developed a strong work ethic that lasted throughout his life. He moved irrigation pipeline before school and he worked at the family’s supper club, “The Drift Inn” in Rupert. His professional career began following graduation at Amalgamated Sugar Company. He worked there his entire adult life until his retirement in 2016. He was instrumental in contributing to many improvements at the factory that spanned more than 40 years. He loved his work and it showed through complete dedication and dependability. During his working life he made many long and lasting friendships.

He had two children from a previous marriage: daughter, Megan; and son, Brody. As a single father, he became a great cook and planner. On October 14, 1990, Don married the love of his life, Kristie Marie Miller. Together, they had one son, Coltin.

Don was a talented athlete and an avid softball pitcher. This talent took him throughout the state of Idaho where he competed in countless softball games. His marriage to Kristie was a dream come true when he found his partner in sports as she, too, was an avid athlete.

Family was of the utmost love to Don. He was involved in all of the children’s activities – not only sports but all their adventures and successes in life. He was a great supporter and was willing to give advice on how to improve each child’s talents and abilities. He and Kristie traveled throughout the country to watch and enjoy the events of each of their children. This did not stop with the children but segued into the lives of their grandsons, Tommy and Connor. Grandpa A.K.A “Gramps” was with them as much as he could, they did everything they could together.

Don was ready and willing to help any family member or friend with any project that was presented to him. He was an avid reader. The knowledge he gained through his reading assisted him with his ability to fix and do anything required for the success of the projects.

His hobbies in life included playing World of Warcraft, hunting, fishing, camping and hanging out with his faithful companion – his dog, Koby.

He was always the entertainment at functions with extra personality. Don will be missed and cherished by all those individuals he touched. We, as his family, look forward to seeing him again.

He is survived by his wife, Kristie Johnson of Heyburn; children, Megan McLaurin (Bradley Cooper) and Brody Johnson, both of Centennial, Colorado, and Coltin Johnson (Josie) of Heyburn; grandsons, Thomas McLaurin and Connor McLaurin; siblings, Tammy Jafek (Keith Hayes) of Eagle, Idaho, and Rony (Nicole) Reynolds of Rupert; and his nieces, Demi (Ronnie Terry) their daughter Tove, and Kilee Jafek (Abid Omerovie) and their son, Abi.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Ray and Thelma Ennis; father-in-law, Sam Miller; mother-in-law, Joyce Miller; and brother, Jerry Johnson.

Don’s life will be celebrated from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday, November 14, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will gather to share memories and pay tribute to a life well lived.

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