David John Johnson

David Johnson was born in Santa Ana, California, on October 9, 1929. He was the third and final child of Clarence and Cleona Johnson. Two brothers, Carl and Charles, preceded him. They lived around the corner from El Modena Friends church where David attended with the family and eventually committed his life to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship he cherished for the remainder of his life.
The family soon moved to a farm house on an orange grove in Orange Park Acres where David's father was the orchard keeper. David and his brothers had many fond memories of their childhood in the groves such as capturing hawks and skunks, building a raft for the creek, falling from a tree, bouncing off the barn roof into a coral and breaking an arm.
David received an AA degree from a two year college, then enrolled at Pacific Bible College (now known as Azusa Pacific University). He met Rena Humting there. Rena became the choir director at El Modena Friends Church where David attended and was a member of the choir. "We had a really bad choir," Rena would later admit. Was it because you were the choir director or because David was a member? "Both," she responded with a chuckle. Their first date was at the Rose Parade on January 1, 1951.
David was drafted into the army during the Korean War. He was sent overseas to a base in Japan, then to Korea, and was moving up the peninsula when the armistice was signed. David and Rena were married on January 8, 1954, after David returned from Korea. They were married for 55 years before Rena's death in 2009.
David lived an active life of hiking, tennis, softball, cycling, and horse shoes. His hobbies included wood working, building and flying model airplanes, ham radio, clock repair, re-upholstery, and gardening. He loved history, studying the bible, his pets, and laughing. But what was most important to him were his friendships and love for his family.
David is survived by son David Jr. (Kristel), daughter Cheryl Uphus (John), and son Philip (Ellen); eight grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, Laura Johnson, Dana Neidengard (Carl), Felisha Wozniak (Michael), Tracie Lemen (Tyler), Jennifer Blatz (Peter), Andrew Johnson (Heather), and Bethany Tobey (Dustin); nineteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Carl (Eva) and Charles (Gloria), and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Limitations have been placed on funeral arrangements due to Covid-19. David will have a graveside service at Forest Lawn Covina Hills on Thursday, July 16 at 8:50 am, 21300 Via Verde St, Covina. CA 91724. All are welcome. Meet inside the front gate of Forest Lawn Covina Hills for procession to graveside. The graveside service will require face masks and social distancing. The service will be no longer than 40 minutes, and no reception will follow. The family is planning a celebration reception next year (post covid 19).