Donald Paul Johnson, 81, of Myerstown, PA formerly of Blairsville passed away on Monday, February 12, 2007 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Lebanon, PA.He was born June 3, 1925 in Johnstown, PA, the son of William and Mary M. McIntosh Johnson.Mr. Johnson was a former member of SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church. He served on the Blairsville Borough Council and was a member of the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and the American Legion.He served in the United States Army from 1943 - 1946 as a chaplain's assistant. He was part of the force that helped liberate the 28th Division that were captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He also served as a witness at the Nuremburg Trials.He graduated from Lock Haven State Teacher's College in 1949 and received his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh.Mr. Johnson held teaching and coaching positions at Blacklick Township High School (1949 - 1951) and taught and coached at Johnstown Catholic High School (1951 - 1957). He led the boy's basketball team to the Catholic State championship final. He then taught physical education, science and health at Blairsville High School (1957 - 1988), and coached football, basketball and golf during his tenure. He spent many years as a PIAA Basketball official. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Helen (VanCavage) Johnson whom he married on June 7, 1952; two sons, Michael Johnson and wife, Lisa of Palmyra and Donald Johnson and wife, Denise of Lebanon; three grandchildren, Laura, David and Brian Johnson; a brother, James Johnson of Portage and a sister, Patricia VonBerstel of Grass Valley, OR.He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Johnson.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Thursday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA where a Wake service will be held at 8:30 P.M. Thursday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Friday at SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church, Blairsville, PA with Fr. Chester J. Raimer as celebrant.Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Johnston, PA.Military services will be accorded by the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and the American Legion at 9:15 A.M. Friday in the funeral home.In honor of Don's service to his country and to help aid the families of our service members, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, New York 10036
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