On August 29, 1961, David enlisted into the United States Army in Omaha, Nebraska. During his service he served in both Korea for one year and Vietnam for two years. David is an honorable Vietnam Veteran. He received decorations as a rifle sharpshooter, an expert carbine shooter, national defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, and Vietnam campaign medal. He was honorably discharged on September 26, 1967.

After his discharge, he was united in marriage to Margaret Upson and to this union, they were blessed with three children: Michelle, David Lee, Jr. and Valerie. This marriage later ended in divorce.

David made his home in Holdrege, where he worked as the manager for the 7-11 gas station for a few years. He then began his longtime career and his passion of driving truck for Speedway. He drove for 37 years.

David lived and breathed trucks. He loved his job and enjoyed meeting and visiting with fellow truck drivers and friends at truck stops. He also loved NASCAR, stock car races and enjoyed watching college football. David was a jack-of-all trades; whether it was mechanical work or carpentry, David could do it!

David was baptized and was a member at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege and was an active member at the Eagle's Club.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, David Lee Johnson, Jr. in 2021; daughter, Valerie Johnson Meyers in 2017; granddaughter, Martika Johnson in 2011; and brother, Dale Dean Johnson.

David leaves to mourn his passing; his daughter, Michelle Johnson of Holdrege; 5 grandchildren: Derek Winkler and his wife, Charyssa; Stephanie Winkler; Thad Winkler; Brandon Johnson and his wife, Karie; and Stephen Johnson; 4 great-grandchildren: Hunter; Brailyn; Legend; and Ayden; his brother, Dennis Johnson and his wife, Sandy of Agra, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Candy Johnson of Holdrege; along with a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.