Palestine High School Alumni Association

Donald Ray Johnson 1963 Born 04-14-1945 Died 04-30-1968 Age 23

04 / 14 / 1945  –  04 / 30 / 1968

Funeral services for Private First Class Donald Ray (Donnie) Johnson, 23, killed in action in Vietnam, will be held at 4 p.m. today in Hassell & Foster Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Derwin Walker of Houston, and the Rev. R. L. Goad. Burial will follow in Broyles Chapel Cemetery.

Johnson was born in Palestine April 14, 1945, and was a 1963 graduate of Palestine High School. He was killed on April 30, 1968 while on active duty in the Saigon area of Vietnam.

He had been in the army about eight months and had been on duty in Vietnam for two months with Company “B” of the 25th Infantry Division. Prior to entering service, he was employed in the packing department of Knox Glass. He was a Baptist.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Ward, Randy Johnson, Darrell May, Jimmie Main, Jimmie Singletary, Tim Lipscomb, Billly Weldon and Lee Funderburgh. Named as honorary pallbearers are Charles Evans, Marshall James, Jimmie Bassett and David Pope.

Survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Johnson of Broyles Chapel; one brother, Billy Fred Johnson; one sister, Miss Sheila Gail Johnson; a niece, Kimberly Kay Johnson, all of Broyles Chapel; grandparents, Mrs. S. P. Johnson of Palestine, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Henry of Palestine.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 05-12-1968

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