of Little Rock, AR
December 9, 1933 - April 12, 2023
Don Edwin Johnston, 89, of Little Rock peacefully passed away on April 12,2023 after a long and full life. Born in Little Rock on December 9, 1933 to E.L. ''Ned'' and Donnie N. Johnston, Don was a graduate of Little Rock High School ('51), Little Rock Junior College ('53) and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ('55). Growing up, Don and his parents were active members at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock.
After he graduated, Don joined the Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade), serving in the Naval Security Group in Washington, DC. There he met Ann Wilkinson, a nurse who became his wife of 57 years. After meeting in church, Don proposed to Ann after two dates in eight days and they were married September 6, 1958.
Upon finishing his term in the Navy, Don and Ann returned to Arkansas as newlyweds to join the family furniture business. Don then became director of the Arkansas Hardware and Furniture Association for several years before becoming a furniture manufacturer's representative in the early 1970s. For more than four decades, Don sold furniture to retailers across Arkansas and the South, later expanding to managing national accounts for home furnishings and sporting goods manufacturers.
Don and Ann went on to have three children: Don, Jr. (Skipper), Ken and Betsy. Don put family first and was a strong, kind, loving and supportive father. Throughout his adult life, Don was active in Baptist churches as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, driver and usher. During his children's teen years, he took a special role in teaching all the youth at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church how to water ski.
Don spent much of his retirement enjoying time at his farm, deer and duck hunting and collecting antique outboard motors. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann Wilkinson Johnston and their daughter, Elizabeth Suzanne Johnston (Betsy) and he leaves behind his sons, Don Edwin Johnston, Jr. and Kenneth R. Johnston, M.D. Don, Jr. and his wife, Widayanti, have three daughters, Rachel (27), Hannah (25) and Michelle (19). Ken has one son, Jack (16).
A Visitation will be held on Monday, April 17,2023 from 5 7 pm at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I-30, in Little Rock. The funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N Shackleford Rd, Little Rock on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, beginning at 11 am.
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20 Condolence(s)
Nancy Sowell Hatfield
Monday, May 29, 2023
To Don Johnston's Family,
It is with sadness I saw the obituary of your Dad's passing. I'm Nancy Sowell Hatfield from Searcy and am now co-owner with my sister Betty of Sowells Furniture, now a 78 year old furniture store in Searcy. I have great memories of going to the Dallas Market in the 60's & 70's with my parents. Seeing Don at the Dallas Market was something we always looked forward to!!! (I'm soon to be 70!). Don was one of our favorite Sales Reps! I believe in those years he was repping Broyhill which at that time showed at the Dallas Market Center and was one of our best supplier. Don had a gift to make us feel like we were his very favorites! He was so sincere with us and his customers as if each of us were all his favorites!
So thankful to still have these memories AND so thankful to have seen his obituary so I might share my memories with you and your family. Sincerely, Nancy from Sowell'w
Glenda Bloxom
Monday, May 8, 2023
Skip & Kenny
Just heard about your precious dad passing. Praying right now for you guys comfort & peace in mist of your sorrow. I loved loved your family. Your mom & I had some great musical times together. She was so talented. What great memories from PHBC with your family. God is good. May you continue to feel his comfort and love. Glenda Smalley Bloxom
Cindy Gattis Thomas
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Ken and Skip,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I was showing Mom some pictures, had some of the lake trips, and I was telling her how your Dad was so patient and encouraging teaching me to water ski. She then told me she’d just found out about your Dad from Sandra Fiser. I know you miss him, he was so wonderful, but he’s with your Mom and Betsy now. God Bless, you’re both in my prayers.
Cindy Gattis Thomas
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Ken and Skip,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I was showing Mom some pictures, had some of the lake trips, and I was telling her how your Dad was so patient and encouraging teaching me to water ski. She then told me she’d just found out about your Dad from Sandra Fiser. I know you miss him, he was so wonderful, but he’s with your Mom and Betsy now. God Bless, you’re both in my prayers.
Mary Shores
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Go sorry to hear about Don. He never met a stranger. He will be truly missed. Mary Shores
SHERRY ELLISON
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Meeting you was the best thing that could have happened to me that day. You were a friend from day one. We didn't talk just business we discussed our families. The love you had for your family was amazing. Don (Hot Hands) you will always be special in my heart. Praying for your loved ones that you leave behind, but knowing you were gathered with much love when you reached heaven. You were one special friend!
Judith Estrella
Monday, April 17, 2023
My deepest condolences to the whole family. May the Holy Spirit comforts you all during this time. May his soul rest in peace with his beloved wife.
The Hargono Family
Monday, April 17, 2023
Deepest condolences to our extended family in Little Rock, AR. Although we are separated by continents and oceans, our hearts and prayers are with you.
We remember meeting Mr. Don and his wife, Ann, for the first time in Indonesia. He was a wonderful person, humble, easy to talk to, and caring for others. We will miss him!
Butch Andrews
Monday, April 17, 2023
Sorry to hear about Don,s passing. Don was a great guy and well respected in the furniture industry. I ,as well, was a sales Rep in Arkansas and it was always a treat to be around Don with his great attitude!
Aubrey Hough
Monday, April 17, 2023
I was very fortunate to have met Don as a child living on rice Street. He was a wonderful Christian gentleman. I had the pleasure of teaching one of his fine sons in medical school. I extend my condolences to the family. We will see him again by the river that flows from the throne of God.
Francis Musinguzi
Monday, April 17, 2023
Our heartfelt prayers to the family in this time. We thank God for a life well lived, the Lords name be praised forever. Francis and the Africa Water.org Team
John Hamilton
Monday, April 17, 2023
Don was the quintessential “Southern Gentlemanâ€. It was later in life that I had the privilege of making his acquaintance, it was an honor to have done so. We both shared the love for GOD and responsibility of giving account for the way we used the gifts HE gave us charge over.
Emily Sneddon
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Ken,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Nancy Trippe
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Don was one of my favorite persons and a wonderful Sunday School teacher. I will miss him so much. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was one of the really good guys.
Jerry & Christina Burchfield
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Don and Ann were such special friends of ours as neighbors on Fairway Village. Our sympathy and prayers to all the family. We missed him when he had to move and miss him still. Whoever you were you couldn't help but be comfortable around Don...which probably explains how being a salesman was his gift. He is with his angels, Ann & Betsy.
Teresa Beliew
Saturday, April 15, 2023
My Heart and Prayers go out to Kenny Skipper,and Faimly. Mr.Don will be Dearly
Missed and thought of often.
Doug & Gayle Burbank
Friday, April 14, 2023
So sorry to hear about Don. Such a great guy that I’ve known for many,many years,
Just a great gentleman and a great furniture man!
Wendy (Warmouth) Brandon
Friday, April 14, 2023
Skipper and Ken - so very sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of your dad at PHBC. He will be missed. Prayers for you both and your families.
Lori (Goldsmith) Snitzer
Friday, April 14, 2023
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Ken, Skip and families. He was loved by so many. Ol' Don as my family called him, was a favorite cousin of my Mom Dottie (they grew up together) and of mine. Don always had a smile and would find joy in all things. Don would come to Dallas and stay with us and he always made time to come to my softball games growing up; he and Ann are a part of many family memories. His personal recipe of popcorn was a family favorite.
While those of us here will miss him, his smile, support (and calls to my Mom) I know he is with his beloved Ann and Betsy eternally with our Savior and that gives me peace.
Kent & Felicia Davis
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Good Man, Long time friend, we are so sorry, Prayers