Keith David "Jon" Johnson

September 29, 1945 - August 2, 2013

Mr. Keith David “Jon” Johnson, age 67, husband of Zona Durrance Johnson, a resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 2, 2013 at his residence.

A graveside service will be held at Nashville National Cemetery on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on September 29, 1945 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Keith was the son of the late Archie L. and Elaine P. Cyrus Johnson. He worked as an electrical engineer in motor modification for seventeen years. Prior to his electrical work, Jon served his country in the United States Marine Corps for several years and fought in the Vietnam War and even reenlisted and went back to Vietnam twice.


In his earlier years, and before his health failed him, he played many different musical instruments, ranging from the saxophone to the bass and even the flute. He played these instruments for quite a few big bands, and even after he was unable to play these instruments, he enjoyed teaching children all he knew about them and taught them how to play music. After retiring, Jon began raising fainting goats and was a member of the Myotonic Goat Registry. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. In addition, Jon was a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism where he taught leatherwork, woodwork, armoring, and many other things. Jon was a well-known cook, and out of all his many accomplishments, he was best known for his tasteful food.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind to cherish his memory two sons: Kevin Ira Johnson, Sean Johnson; two daughters: Sam Nailon, Tammy Durrance; two brothers: Irvin Lee Johnson, James Nolan Smith; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roger D. Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leon Fielder, Andy Stoffregen, Carson Reed, William Meissner, Paul Pitt, and Tommy Franklin.

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