Donald Frank Johnson

Donald Frank Johnson, 59, of St. Augustine Beach, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born in Endicott, NY to the late Clyde and Dorothea Johnson. Donald worked with his brothers, Allen and James in his teens. They took him under their wings traveling from the east coast to the west coast teaching carpentry and mechanics. He later moved to St. Augustine to live and work by the beach which was his life dream, building condos and homes. He was employed by Donohue Framing and Construction often working on renovations on Flagler College and other historic buildings. In 2014 he started working for Dependable Plumbing on the Marriott Courtyard, St. Augustine Beach, and then Embassy Suites. Don was also known as the 6th Street Handyman helping neighbors with their homes, Local Air B&Bs, and local businesses. After the completion of Embassy Suites, Don was recruited to stay onboard with the hotel. He was the only one who understood the plumbing and the only one who could fix it. Don’s passion at the hotel was the maintenance of the pool and spa. During sunrise at the beach, he would test the pool water while watching the seagulls fly and drinking his coffee. Don was the glue that held the hotel together. He assisted the maids in fixing any damage they reported to the rooms, to bartenders who had sink or drain problems, the restaurant areas, and banquet rooms. He helped in the lobby area with Christmas tree decorations inside and the magnificent trees outside that lit up the night. Building Christmas decorations with other maintenance men, guests could pose and take pictures. He would help with many a clean-up after storms and hurricanes that damaged the hotel. Don won the Golden Hammer Award at the 1st year employee anniversary recognition party. All of the employees enjoyed the evening, and the room was filled with congratulations to all who attended for a well-deserved group effort of running a new hotel. Don was a vital person who kept everything flowing smoothly at the restaurant and hotel. His work ethic was always on the move. One minute you see him, the next minute he would be gone. His drive to continuously maintain the facility got him the nickname “The Ninja”. Don was proud that he achieved his 5-year recognition pin with Embassy Suites. The department also received a holographic trophy for “Best Maintenance of the Year”. When Don had time to relax, he enjoyed feeding the seagulls during the winter. In summer, sitting in a beach chair with a beer just watching the waves, boats, birds, planes, and surfers with family and friends. Often enjoying a cookout, Don loved to bar-b-que in the yard. His yard was a sanctuary with a lavish waterfall pond with a mermaid and fish spitting water adding sound. His flowers and vegetables he loved to water after work with a beer. He loved nature and animals. Don and Karen were happy to foster many litters from Wags and Whiskers He’d always ask the kittens “Do you have a full belly?” as he rubbed their bellies to check. He loved coming home at lunch and after work to be greeted by the kittens and his cats, Margarita, Bunny, and Bandit, who all greatly miss him. The laughter watching the kittens as they played, exploring stairs, and snuggling for hugs are all fond memories of the loving and gentle man Don was. He is missed by his soulmate of 15 years. Karen Leslie In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Allen, and sisters, Sandra Coleman and Shirley Belles. He is survived by his brother James and his sisters, Dorothea, Beverly, Darlene, Debra, and Diane. Donald also had many nieces and nephews who looked up to him and loved him dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 19, 2024, at The Embassy Suites, St. Augustine. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Wags & Whiskers Pet Rescue, 32 Masters Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084 will be appreciated.

Donald Frank Johnson

July 18, 1965 - September 18, 2024