WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Donald Lee Johnson, father, mentor and friend, 77, of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at his home.

He was born on March 12, 1935, in Huntington, Ind. Donald attended Catholic schools.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Donald was united in marriage to Patricia Hall in Fort Hood, Texas. She preceded him in death.

For many years, he owned and operated Johnson's Mobile Home Park in Wakefield, where he loved to feed his beloved deer and birds.

His hobbies included playing cribbage, listening to country music, fishing, especially fly fishing and hunting.

Donald is survived by three sons, Chris (Debbie), Ironwood, Robert (Lauri), Bessemer, and Duane (Kelly), Great Mills, Md.; two daughters, Connie Sue (Tryon Cody) Mitchell, Arvada, Colo., and Kate (Stuart) Bowman, Alpine, Texas; eight grandchildren; several siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy; and several siblings.

The Johnson family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ben Hasse officiating.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673, where he was a life member, and Bessemer American Legion Post 27 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at the church following the military honors.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.