Donald E. K. Johnson of Thousand Oaks, CA passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born on the family’s farm south of Farnam, Nebraska. Here he grew up with his 11 brothers and sisters until he left to finish school at Madrid High School. He then joined the U. S. Navy in April 5, 1945, World War II.

After his service in the Navy, he joined two of his sisters in Los Angeles where he took up odd jobs which inspired his love of building and construction. Don was a perfectionist in his work and those that were lucky enough to have him do work for them knew his gift. One of the first jobs he had, he converted the chicken coops into classrooms on the campus of California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks.

At this time, 1960, he met and married his wife, Lorraine Howells. They were married at Ascension Lutheran Church. Soon they started a family, Beth first, then Britt a few years later.

Don continued in the construction field, getting his contractors license and joining the Carpenters Union until his retirement in 1990.

Don enjoyed his LA Rams, LA Dodgers and Nebraska Cornhusker Football. He was a huge fan of his son, grandson and great grandson’s sporting events especially baseball and could be found behind home plate most of the time. In his later years he enjoyed making wood work creations for the kids, traveling, fishing and working on the Johnson Family genealogy.

He is survived by his children; Beth Camarillo (Ray) of Thousand Oaks CA, Britt (Lynn) Johnson of Moorpark, CA.

Grandchildren; Chelsea Camarillo, Brittany Camarillo, Courtney Johnson, and Cameron Johnson.

Great Grandchildren; Thomas Adame, Landon Mazariegos, Emily Adame and little Layla Ramos.

Also numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his late wife, Lorraine Howells Johnson, his parents, Emil and Judith Johnson and all of his siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church 1600 Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Grffin Morturary