Donald Kelly Johnson

Colonel Donald Kelly Johnson, US Army retired, of Mount Holly died peacefully at home Friday, February 26, 2016 after a long illness. He was 82. Kelly was born on February 20, 1934 in Ona, West Virginia to the late Elbie and Edna V. (Dolly) Johnson. He graduated from Marshall University in 1956 with a degree in psychology. While at Marshall he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and ROTC. After graduation he was honored to embark on a 27-year career as an artilleryman and missileer with the US Army, reaching the rank of Colonel. A decorated veteran, Kelly served overseas assignments in Germany and Korea and served two combat tours in Vietnam. He also held the positions of Indiana Recruitment Commander and Deputy Commander of Northeast Recruitment Command. He continued his education by earning a Masters Degree in Psychology. He subsequently attended the Air War College, earning a Masters Degree in Strategic Plans and Policy. After his retirement from military service, Kelly had a twenty-year career as a real estate agent, achieving multiple Million Dollar Club awards. Although no longer in uniform, Kelly continued to serve his community, most actively as a member, past President, and International Fellow of the Mount Holly Lions Club. Kelly was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Holly, serving as a Community Luncheon volunteer, a founding and Advisory Board member of Homes of Hope, and as a Haiti mission trip volunteer. Kelly was instrumental in the formation and initial success of the Mall Ministry program, and participated in the Men's Prayer Breakfast for over 20 years. He was a member and past President of the Lakes and Pines Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Kelly was a Golden Eagle Band sponsor and yeoman, a member of the American Legion, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Kelly was a formidable tennis opponent, constant gardener, and avid runner. He was a man of faith devoted to his family and community, never passing on an opportunity to give his time, his money, or his encouragement. Kelly was an enthusiastic idea man, always eager to creatively solve any problem that presented itself. He danced through life with a mischievous sense of humor. Growing up in West Virginia he loved hunting and archery. Kelly is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; brother Charles W. (Bill) Johnson of Trenton, Alabama; children Colonel (ret) Heather Ierardi (Dave Gerard) of Rome, Italy; Donald K. (Deke) Johnson, Jr. (Kay) of Melbourne Beach, Florida; Holly Johnson Stuhr (Andreas) of Hoboken, NJ and Alzenau, Germany; Stephen D. Arvin (Holly) of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Julia Arvin (John DiBlasio) of Manchester, Vermont; and Jeff Arvin (Sarah) of Atlanta, Georgia. Kelly was a devoted grandfather to his surviving grandchildren Kurt Silsby (Chelsea); Deane Silsby; Elisabeth, Allison, and Phillip Johnson; Alexander and Helena Stuhr; Sara Rhoades; Tyler and Timothy Arvin; Anastasia “Cubby” Arvin-DiBlasio; and Marin and Gabriella Arvin; and three great-grandchildren. Kelly was predeceased by his grandson Ryan Silsby. Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, March 1 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Perinchief Chapels in Mount Holly, NJ. Services will be held Wednesday, March 2 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 125 Garden Street, Mt. Holly, NJ. Kelly will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The family invites friends and relatives to make a donation in memory of Kelly to either the Military Officers Association of America Lakes & Pines Chapter Scholarship Fund (PO Box 3, Fort Dix, NJ 08640) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Condolences or flowers for the family may be sent c/o Perinchief Chapels, Inc., 438 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

Donald Kelly Johnson

February 20, 1934 - February 26, 2016