Donald "Tiger" A. Johnson

Donald A. “Tiger” Johnson, 89, of Sayre, PA passed away at home with his family by his side on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

He was born on June 8, 1934 in Sayre, PA, the son of the late Claude H. and A. Louise (Smith) Johnson.

Tiger was a graduate of the Athens High School, Class of 1952. He continued his education at Mansfield State University graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Social Studies. Tiger began his teaching career following graduation with the Elmira City School District. He continued his education at the same time at the Cortland State College graduating in 1966 with his Master’s Degree in United States History. Tiger continued his career with the Elmira City School District, retiring in July of 1991. He was a member of the New York State Retired Teachers and served on the Bradford County Vocational School Board.

Following his graduation from Cortland State, Tiger married the love of his life, Donna L. Wilson, in Covington, PA and they shared 57 years together prior to his passing. Tiger lived in the Valley area his whole life, and was very involved in his community. For 12 years, Tiger served on the Athens Borough Council and on the Athens School Board for 11 years. Tiger was very active in the Valley Fast Pitch for many years, pitching in the Valley League, Bradford County League, Elmira City League, and others in the Elmira Area.

Tiger was the driving force in many non-profit organizations, especially promoting for new memberships. He was a lifetime member of the Sayre-Athens Lions Club. Tiger became a part of the Lions Club in 1960, and with the exception of Treasurer, he held every office several times. He served on the State Lions Committee - 4 years, LCIF – 15 years, Constitution Committee - 4 years, PA Lions Eye Bank Committee – 2 years, and the House of the Delegates for 4 years. He was the recipient of the PA Counsellors Melvin James Fellow Award. His District level involvement included serving as the District Governor from 1992-1993, LCIF Chairman – 15 years, Disaster Relief – 4 years, Zone Chairman – 10 times, Deputy District Governor – 4 times, Convention Chairman for 1 year, Convention Committee – 10 years, and District Honorary Committee for 27 years. Tiger thoroughly enjoyed his hobby of collecting Lions Pins but he would be glad to tell you there was no one in his family who is an enthusiast, however should they change their mind they will have first choice, just know the value of some are more than others but they are probably worth more to those like Tiger that simply enjoy collecting them. He was a lifetime member of the Sayre Elks Lodge #1148. Tiger was a lifetime member of the Sayre Christian Church, serving as Deacon for several years.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Julie M. Johnson, brother Gene Johnson, and sister Arlene Rogers.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Donna Johnson at home, daughter and son-in-law Lori Ann and Mark Vidonic of Ft. Mill, SC, son Robert L. Johnson of Alexandria, VA, 3 grandchildren Abby, Ben, and Katie, sister-in-law Joyce Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.              

A Time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11am-1pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street,Athens, PA.  Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 1pm with Pastor Paula Kraus officiating.

Burial will follow in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

Donations may be made in Tiger’s memory to the: Sayre-Athens Lions Club, c/o Greg Huey, 313 Madison St., Sayre, PA 18840, Sayre Elks Lodge #1148, 117 So. Elmer Ave., Sayre, PA 18840 or Guthrie Clinic, Cancer Fund for Patients, One Guthrie Sq., Oncology Dept., Sayre, PA  18840.

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