David Johnson

David Johnson, age 72, passed away peacefully with family by his side in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 12, 2022. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 6, 1950, to the late James and Johnellen (Booker) Johnson. David proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War where he achieved the rank of E-3, Seaman, and was honorably discharged in 1971. After earning an Associate of Science degree in Criminology at City College of San Francisco, David spent the majority of his career in the Safety and Security sector in esteemed roles such as Safety & Security Supervisor at the Children's Hospital of San Francisco; California Deputy State Fire Marshal in Sacramento, California; Safety Training Coordinator for the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; and Security Agent for Denver Public Library and various entertainment and sporting events in Denver, Colorado. After retiring from a robust and rewarding career, his role as a children's train conductor in Aurora, Colorado brought him much joy. David was passionate about many things. He loved lighthouses, flying big kites, playing the drums, and listening to smooth jazz. He was a Scrabble champion, loved to travel, and as a true "foodie", his favorite thing to make for dinner was a reservation. David had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and always managed to find the silver lining among the darkest clouds. He is survived by his former wife, Denise Farrington; their children, Tory David and Janelle Ann Johnson; grandchildren, Ariana and Silas Johnson; siblings, Charlotte, Edward, Kenneth, Felix, and Paula Johnson; former spouse Shari Snead; special cousins, Phillip and Elaine; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and his pet rock affectionately named "Chirren", who "listened about as well as his children do". David found comfort and support in his devotion to his faith while he learned to cope as his health declined. While this is the end of David's physical life on Earth, it's the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. As a man of faith, David wished to be remembered with great joy as the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality. Honoring David's wishes, he will be laid to rest on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, joining his father at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors rendered by the United States Navy. A Celebration of Life will be held virtually by the family at a later date. To send a message of sympathy, or to share a favorite memory with David's family, please sign the guest book at: https://michigancremation.com/obituary/david-johnson/ Burial arrangements were entrusted to and gracefully executed by Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. David Johnson, age 72, passed away peacefully with family by his side in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 12, 2022. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 6, 1950, to the late James and Johnellen (Booker) Johnson. David proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War where he achieved the rank of E-3, Seaman, and was honorably discharged in 1971. After earning an Associate of Science degree in Criminology at City College of San Francisco, David spent the majority of his career in the Safety and Security sector in esteemed roles such as Safety & Security Supervisor at the Children's Hospital of San Francisco; California Deputy State Fire Marshal in Sacramento, California; Safety Training Coordinator for the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; and Security Agent for Denver Public Library and various entertainment and sporting events in Denver, Colorado. After retiring from a robust and rewarding career, his role as a children's train conductor in Aurora, Colorado brought him much joy. David was passionate about many things. He loved lighthouses, flying big kites, playing the drums, and listening to smooth jazz. He was a Scrabble champion, loved to travel, and as a true "foodie", his favorite thing to make for dinner was a reservation. David had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and always managed to find the silver lining among the darkest clouds. He is survived by his former wife, Denise Farrington; their children, Tory David and Janelle Ann Johnson; grandchildren, Ariana and Silas Johnson; siblings, Charlotte, Edward, Kenneth, Felix, and Paula Johnson; former spouse Shari Snead; special cousins, Phillip and Elaine; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and his pet rock affectionately named "Chirren", who "listened about as well as his children do". David found comfort and support in his devotion to his faith while he learned to cope as his health declined. While this is the end of David's physical life on Earth, it's the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. As a man of faith, David wished to be remembered with great joy as the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality. Honoring David's wishes, he will be laid to rest on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, joining his father at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors rendered by the United States Navy. A Celebration of Life will be held virtually by the family at a later date. To send a message of sympathy, or to share a favorite memory with David's family, please sign the guest book at: https://michigancremation.com/obituary/david-johnson/ Burial arrangements were entrusted to and gracefully executed by Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Johnson, please visit our flower store.