Donald Leslie Johnson Sr.

Donald was born November 3rd, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey to Sonnie Johnson Jr and Muriel Peggy Battle. Both of his parents were in the US Air Force and his mom died when he was five leaving him to be raised by his Grandmother Mary (Nana) Battle. Mary was blessed to love and lead him with the help of her church, which is where he learned to worship and love the lord.

Don attended several schools in Newark and was honored to be the Captain of the Weequahic High School Indians in the 70s, where he first met his future wife, Deborah Fuller Johnson.

Don Sr. and Deborah spent years traveling between her hometown in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Irvine, California, Corona, California, and Newark, New Jersey. Every summer Don Sr. prepared his family for trips across the US to visit each of their elders. As a family they were known for road trips and gathering with new friends and family along the way.

He worked for the Department of Defense and coached High School football in Newark, NJ, Santa Ana, CA, and eventually Corona, CA. In the late 80’s he was an assistant coach at Riverside City College where he helped lead the Tigers to a National Championship in 1989.

Don Sr. picked up many other titles in the community. He loved umpiring and officiating in his pastime and was the President of the Orange County Officials association for decades. Don Sr. promoted in that passion as well, and covered women’s sports as a Big West Official. He was known to be on the road coaching or officiating games.

In the 90’s Don Sr. joined the staff at Cal State Fullerton and decided to pursue his craft full-time. He assisted the Fullerton Titans in the final years of football at the university. Don’s time at these local institutions allowed an opportunity for his kids to remain in Corona, CA for school and activities. It became he and Deborah’s second home as they settled in while the two eldest attended and graduated from CNUSD Schools.

Don Sr. moved on to the University of Nevada Reno where he spent five seasons as Defensive Ends and Special Teams Coach. While at the University of Nevada Reno he simultaneously completed internships with the San Francisco 49ers (1998) and the Carolina Panthers (1999). His move to Nevada resulted in his youngest son graduating from Wooster High School in Reno.

In 2000 Don Sr. joined the UCLA Bruins staff where he spent years as a Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. In 2002 the family was devastated by the loss of Don Sr. and Deborah’s 23-year-old son Duane. Don remained at UCLA for another two seasons, and later accepted a position in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Don coached the Bears Defensive Line entering the playoffs in both 2004 and 2005 and eventually the dream of Coaching in Super Bowl XLI in 2006.

In 2007 he coached the Defensive Line for the Oakland Raiders. Don stayed with the Raiders for two seasons before reuniting with Ron Rivera in 2009 to Coach the Defensive Line for the San Diego Chargers. Don Sr. and Deborah moved to San Diego where they lived in Rancho Bernardo, CA for 8 years.

After a brief retirement, Don and Deborah relocated to the California Desert where they could enjoy the heat, and host family gatherings. Once settled in the desert oasis, he got the call, and Don Sr. joined the Arizona Cardinals as a Defensive Line / Senior Assistant Coach and relocated to Tempe / Chandler, Arizona.

Don Sr. went on to Coach the Seattle Dragons in the XFL. The XFL paused due to the pandemic and Don Sr. and Deborah decided to spend that time in Irvine, CA with their grandkids. At the conclusion of the pandemic, he joined the Carolina Panthers as a Pass Rush Specialist. Don Sr. spent two seasons on the field with the Panthers and was home and traveling during the third year of his contract. Don Sr. was healthy and spent time with friends and family across the US.

On September 16, 2023, Don Sr. passed away peacefully at home.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son Duane LeVar Johnson (2002), Parents, and Grandparents.

He is survived by his Wife of 51 years Deborah Fuller Johnson, Daughter Denise Johnson-Scott (Gary Scott), Son Donald Johnson Jr., Daughter Leanna Catron; Grandkids, Brandon Johnson, KaVaughn Scott, Takara Scott, Nevin Scott, Keenan Speer-Johnson, Ciara Johnson; Great Grandson, Dominic Salazar Johnson; Aunt Dorothy Johnson Wilder, Brother Douglas Johnson, Half-Brother Terry Johnson; and a host of Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews and friends.