Duane Johnnson

Duane Johnson went home to be with his Heavenly Father on December 1, 2024 in Sarasota, FL.

Born In Sarasota, FL on July 2, 1955, to Robert and Alice Belle Johnson. One of the few Florida natives left.

Duane was always known as the class clown throughout his childhood years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, modifying old VW Bugs and old corvettes. Fine tuning his craft as his father taught him. Also, gardening and fishing with his parents. 

Finished 11th grade and went to work with his father at Darby Buick in Sarasota, FL, doing auto body repair. He was a true artist with his craft, one of the best in town! 

He enjoyed the outdoors; camping, fishing, gardening, and enjoyed some good ol' rock n' roll!

Duane would play the guitar or banjo sitting around the fire pit with family and friends. He was always making people laugh and smile with his quick witted humor.

Duane was a poet. He would write the most beautiful poems. They were mostly about the love of his life, Betty Jo. 

Duane and Betty Jo Married in 1976. They spent 53 years together and married for 49 years.

He loved Jesus with all his heart and soul. As much as he loved his life here with family and friends, he so longed to be in Heaven with his mom, dad, and sister Susie, whom he missed dearly.

In recent years he enjoyed spending time with Betty Jo going fishing or working in the garden. He loved having the grandchildren and great grandchildren over. They brought so much joy into his life. He also enjoyed lengthy conversations about the craziness in the world with his daughters. "We have to put it in God's hands", he would say.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty Jo Johnson, his daughters, Jennifer (Johnson) Critchfield, Jill (Johnson) Critchfield, his brother Michael Johnson, two nieces; Shannon and Laura, his grandchildren; Lily (Critchfield) O'Connor, Talia Critchfield, and Tristan Critchfield. He also leaves four great grandchildren; Aurora, Ashton, Evie, and Revel.

  Duane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
 

A celebration of life will be held on January 19, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota County Farm Bureau Pavilion. Located at 7289 Palmer Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240.

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