Don Allen “DJ” Johnson Jr., 49, of Fenton died Sept. 17, 2024, at his home. Mr. Johnson attended high school in Eugene and received many certifications and on-the-job training while working at numerous companies, including a CDL and heavy equipment operator training. He owned and operated DNS Mobile Home and worked alongside his brothers. He later worked at Cargill in California, Mo., and later as a laborer with American Water in St. Louis, where he worked for more than 17 years. He was a member of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 335, AFL-CIO, Region 14, St. Louis, and Elks Lodge 2517 at Lake of the Ozarks. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed early morning deer hunting and trout fishing, even hunting rabbits and squirrels in his backyard. He took fishing trips to Meramec Springs Park and enjoyed visiting Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, where camped with his family in his youth. He enjoyed grilling and bringing people together over food. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also liked tinkering with 1966 Chevy trucks, of which he owned three over the years. He especially enjoyed listening to music, ranging from 80s rock to classic country to gospel, and watching “The Price is Right” almost every day after work. He was competitive when playing games like 42, Super Mario Bros. and billiards. He also enjoyed movie trivia. He believed in God and lived by his teachings. As a young man, he was involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and made a lifelong friend with Shawn Neville. Mr. Johnson loved spending time with his family and will be remembered for his warmth, humor and compassion. Born April 26, 1975, in Chattanooga, Tenn., he was the son of Donna Kay (Hawkins) Johnson of Jefferson City and the late Don Allen.
He also is survived by his wife: Heidi Beth (Tinsley) Johnson of Fenton, whom he married on April 3, 2021, in St. Louis; five children: Luke Allen Johnson and Logan Allen Johnson, both of St. Louis, and Logan Patrick Johnson, Jacob Michael Johnson and Savannah Rain Johnson, all of Fenton; five siblings: Neal Allen Johnson (Karima) of Linn, Kathy Lynn Diggs (John) of Eldon, Lorie Ranae Fitzgerald (Sean) of Osborn, Terry Don Johnson (Stacey) of Jefferson City and Amanda Kay Johnson of Jefferson City; numerous aunts and uncles; and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother: William Odell Johnson II; and his grandparents.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Freeman Mortuary Chapel, 915 Madison St., in Jefferson City, officiated by the Rev. Taylor Whitmore. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, near Eldon. A celebration of life will be held in St. Louis at a later date. Memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, 2502 N. Rocky Point Drive, Suite 100, Tampa, FL, 33607. Arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.