Darrel D. Johnson

Darrel D. Johnson died October 16th 2024 at home with family by his side at age 91.

He was born August 25th 1933 in Burlington Junction, Missouri to Herman and Etta (Parish) Johnson. His mother moved him from Quitman, Missouri to Council Bluff, Iowa where he was raised with two half brothers Donald and Dennis Dannat and one half sister Lolita (Dannat) Loudon. He entered the Army and served two years in Washington and California. He moved to Montana where he married Janice L. Needles, October 11th 1958, in Missoula MT.

He joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Department in 1959 and transferred to the Missoula City Police Department in 1964 until he retired in 1986. He was also with the Powell County Sheriffs Department for 6 years until 1992.

Darrel and his wife were very active in Cub Scouts (Pack 6), Webelos (Pack 6), and Boy Scouts (Troops 6 and 60) and, along with Sheriff John Moe, started the Annual Missoula Law Enforcement Youth Camp in 1965 held at Camp Paxson, Seeley Lake, Montana. Darrel was the coordinator for the 1st 17 years and continued supporting it for as long as his health could keep up with it.

He was also a self-proclaimed Mountain Man and loved Black Powder Muskets and wrote a Cook book "Dutch Oven Cooking" For a Program called 'Becoming An Outdoors Woman.' His study in law enforcement led him to the history of Montanan's fighting crime and the Vigilante Day's of struggles with Outlaws in the Montana Territory, when lawmen were few and far between.

Darrel and his wife Jan would make leather and buckskin outfits, moccasins, Walking Sticks, powder horns, beaded pouches, and Coon Skin hats. Darrel wanted to live in those days, not just read about them ("Born 100 years late"). He helped raise money for the March of Dimes in the 1960's, including once with a live demonstration complete with a robbery of North Town Missoula on Higgins Ave. The bank robberies (and local businesses) included robbing the train and Train Station. Pretending to rob traffic as they drove by for donations. It included a shoot out between The Vigilantes and members of the Plumber Gang. Those who survived were hung in a (staged) vacant lot across from the old Missoulian location on North Higgins.

Darrel was unique in his ability for Fund Raising for various Youth Groups. One was the Annual Troop 60 Boy Scouts Chili Feed. His 'Off Time' included working Security for High School and College games.

Darrel will be missed by family, friends, and the Missoula Community. His support for youths, the disabled and disadvantaged made him known by so many and his efforts will continue in the Missoula area.

He was preceded in death by Janice (Jan), his loving and supportive wife of 43 Years; two daughters Trina and Dora; brothers Donald Dannat and Dennis Dannat and their wives, Carol and Patricia, respectively; sister Lolita and her husband Tom and great granddaughter Taylor Cameron Johnson.

He is survived by his son Monte and wife Charlotte; granddaughter Mandie Jo Hunt and grandson Anthony (Tony) Johnson and wife Kaitlyn; son-in-law Charles Miller III; grandson Joshua Johnson and wife Nicole; grandson Charles Miller IV; grandson Justin Miller; grandson Jason Miller and wife Katie; granddaughter Rita Berry and her husband; granddaughter Christina Manley; grandson Darrel (Little Darrel) John Johnson and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be Friday October 25th at 2:00 pm at Garden City Funeral Home with a procession to Missoula City Cemetery for interment. Please join the Family after interment back at Garden City Funeral home for a meal of a few of Darrel's favorite recipes. If you knew Darrel through the Boy Scouts, Law Enforcement Youth Camp, American Legion, Veterans or Law Enforcement please wear your uniform or attire from those Services.

In lieu of flowers please donate to either Boy Scouts Troop 60, Willard High School, or Law Enforcement Youth Camp, all of which Darrel Loved supporting.