David Larry Johnson

October 21, 1941 – December 5, 2025

David Larry Johnson was born on a farm in southeastern Ohio, where he grew up surrounded by the warmth of an extended family that included his parents James and Marjorie, his siblings, grandparents, a cousin, and at times aunts and uncles. This close-knit beginning shaped the man he would become—someone who treasured family connections and would spend years tracing their roots through generations of history.

The values that guided David's life took root at Centerville Methodist Church, where his family worshiped together. There he learned the principles of love, compassion, and charity that he would carry forward in everything he did, from organizing beloved family gatherings to building a life dedicated to caring for the natural world.

Education opened doors for David. After graduating from high school in 1960, he commuted to nearby Rio Grande College, where he discovered his love for mathematics and teaching. He began his career sharing that passion with students as a science and math teacher in Ohio schools. A master's degree in environmental education from the University of Utah in 1968 led him to teaching positions in Colorado and New York. In 1973, he earned a second master's degree in biology from the University of Colorado, launching a five-year career as an ecologist with transportation and mining engineering firms.

In 1978, David took a step that would define the next four decades of his professional life. He founded Western Ecological Resource, an ecology consulting firm specializing in the restoration of native habitats. For 42 years he worked alongside talented colleagues to heal and protect the landscapes he loved, leaving a legacy of restored ecosystems across the region.

David's love of the outdoors wasn't confined to his work. An avid athlete, he found joy in swimming, skiing, and especially hiking. In 1989, that passion blossomed into Adventure Bound Expeditions, through which he shared his enthusiasm for wild places, leading hiking adventures for gay men to destinations across the globe. Together with his husband, Bill Carlton, David explored over 60 countries, visited all seven continents, and trekked through many of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges—from the Himalayas to the Andes, always with a sense of wonder.

Closer to home, David enjoyed spending time in the garden, where he cultivated both vegetables and flowers with the same care and expertise he brought to restoring wild habitats. His garden was a place of beauty and abundance, reflecting his deep understanding of what makes things grow and thrive. Beyond his personal pursuits, David was a generous supporter of many causes, giving back to the communities and values that mattered most to him.

For 46 years, Bill was David's constant companion, sharing in his adventures both great and small. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect.

David is survived by his husband and lifelong partner, Bill Carlton; his sisters Patricia Elliott of Gallipolis, Ohio and Melody Turley of Logan, Ohio; and his brother James Johnson of Jackson, Ohio. He leaves behind a world whose natural resources have been protected and enriched by his gentle presence.