Donnie Eugene Johnson

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Donnie Eugene Johnson, who departed this life peacefully on the afternoon of September 16, 2025.

He was a father to 23 children, Regena Jankura, Amy Johnson, Brendon Lewis, Cassandra Brister, Dallas and Dakota, Donnie Johnson Jr., Alex, Amanda, Destiny, Donnie Johnson the third, Colton, Danna Solsberry, Nicholas Lewis, Linda Lewis, Mara, Eugene Johnson and six more that are unknown.

He was a grandfather and great-grandfather to many and a man whose life was marked by complexity, transformation, and deep enduring love.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Donnie faced hardship early on. He lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his grandparents- his grandmother offered what love she could while his grandfather left emotional scars that shaped much of his journey. Those wounds followed him into adulthood, and for many years, he struggled with alcohol addiction. During that time, he was not the man that his children needed. He was absent, angry, and often cruel. The pain he carried spilled into the loves of those who loved him.

But his story didn't end there.

In time, Donnie began to change. He found God. He got baptized. He stopped drinking. He tried- truly tried to be better. And in those later years, glimpses of the man that he could have been all along began to shine through. He dreamed big, he loved deeply, even if he didn't always know how to show it. He imagined a ranch filled with horses. Where each of his children would have a truck and a horse trailer with a sleeper so they could ride trails together. That dream was his way of expressing love, unity and hope.

He was married several times. His marriage to Roshell brought several children into the world and though they eventually separated, she and their children remain a vital part of his story. Over the years, he had other relationships, each woman contributing to his journey in different ways. In his final chapter, it was Amelia who stood by him - loving him, caring for him, and helping him through his last months with grace and patience. For that, his family is forever grateful.

In his final hours, his daughter Regena sat with him. She forgave him. She told him that she loved him. And meant it. So did his daughter Amy and his son Brendon.

Donnie was not perfect. His life was messy, painful, and often hard to understand. But it was real. And it mattered. He was a survivor. A dreamer. A man who tried to heal. And above all he was loved.

He leaves behind a legacy of redemption, resilience, and love that endures. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family will carry his story forward- not just the pain, but the healing. Not just the anger - but the love.

A celebration of life will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, Missouri. Where family and friends will gather to honor the man who dreamed in trail rides and loved in his own quiet way.

Though we weren't ready to say goodbye, we know this. Love doesn't disappear. It stays. In the memories. The lessons. In the dreams he shared. And in every heartbeat that carries his story forward.

Goodbye, Dad. You mattered. And always will.