We are friends and family of Donald Johnson. Born November 29th, 1984, our beloved Don sadly passed away on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from sudden complications due to pneumonia and diabetes. Don was a beloved brother, nephew, cousin, fiancé, father, friend, and colleague to those of us surviving. He was a passionate scientist who was inspired to work in pharmaceutical research and development from his own experiences with childhood cancer. His life was full of obstacles and trials on his journey to help make the world a better place and to innovate technologies that would dramatically impact humanity, particularly nanoparticle technology.

In his free time, he loved to spend time with friends and family, playing games, cooking delicious Texan cuisine, camping in the woods, and delving into the world of Marvel and Star Wars. His youthfulness was contrasted by his incredible dedication to a higher purpose in serving society. His silliness and humor would buttress the weight of his struggles and hardship. He will be loved and remembered dearly as someone who was inspirational and admired for his ebullient personality. We will miss him so much!

We are raising funds to help bring Don back from California to his family home in Louisiana to be buried near his mother. Donations will go towards covering the Celebration of Life service in California, funeral home services in California and Louisiana, transport, and burial rites. Any amount helps us during this tumultuous time of grief and sudden loss. All proceeds beyond the cost of funeral and memorial services will go towards a trust for his two children, Lizzy (13) and Ethan (8).