Johnson Walton Funeral Home

Donald Lee Force

Donald Lee Force

Donald Lee Force, 76, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.

Born September 2, 1945 in Somerville, NJ Donald lived in Alexandria Township, NJ for many years before moving to Holland Township in 1971, when he married his high school sweetheart Joan. He attended Delaware Valley Regional High School before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1964. Donald was a veteran of the Vietnam War and received the National Defense medal, Vietnam Service medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal. He worked as a truck driver for the New Jersey Department of Transportation in Clinton, NJ for 13 years. Prior to that, he worked for Magnesium Electron Co. in Kingwood Township, NJ and Rexham Corp. in Flemington, NJ for 26 years. For many years Donald was an avid collector of John Deere toy tractors and memorabilia. He enjoyed going to the races, especially the dirt tracks were he was part of the pit crew for his brother, nephew, and his friends. Donald was an active member of Frenchtown-Milford VFW post 7857 where he served as the Service Officer for many years. He was also involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452, Manville, NJ and the Bernardine May American Legion Post 457 in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Son of the late Wilbur A. and Elsie Mae (McPherson) Force, Donald is survived by his beloved wife Joan (Edmonds) Force, with whom they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2021. His two daughters Kim Marie Force of Palmer Township, PA and Kelly L. Force of Holland Township, NJ, his brother Wilbur Force, Jr. of Milford, NJ, his two precious granddaughters Nicole and Courtney Cihanowyz, and his favorite cat Tito.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 10 AM – 12 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ. Funeral services will follow at 12 PM with Rev. William “Tex” Culton officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Alexandria Township, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 452, PO Box 508, Manville, NJ 08835.

Condolences

From: Cheryl Sujet
So sorry for your loss can’t imagine your sorrow now. If you need to talk or need anything maybe I can be of help. We’ve lost touch recently but maybe we can become close again! Love and prayers for you and your family.

From: David+Melody Gano
Its a very sad day when anyone dies. Its even sadder when a friend you've known for over 60 years passes on. We first met at school. We shared wood and auto shops together and later on in life your love for electric trains brought us back together. I will miss him alot......Prayers for Joan and the entire Force family

From: Fran Petiet
We will never forget the best brother-n-law ever, but was more like a brother. Don was always available to help anyone at anytime, and he did that plenty of times for us and our family. He was one of the kindest, caring people that was ever born. We will always have him in our thoughts and prayers. Please say a prayer for Joan and her daughters and grandaughters. We love them all so much. Thank you everyone for caring. love Richard and Fran and Scott, Nancy, Zach, Owen and Chris Petiet. He will be missed by all of us.

From: Walter and Patricia Chmiel
Our prayers are with you at this time of sadness... He will be missed. Walter and Pat

From: Les & Linda Gallipeau
You were a wonderful friend for 42 years. A hard working man, loving husband, Dad, Grandfather, Patriot & friend to everyone. We always enjoyed our time together-you will be greatly missed.

From: Samantha Woolf
I only ever knew Donald as "Kelly's Dad" Only meeting in passing a few times while visiting with Kelly or helping her move. Although we never really spent much time together I still feel like I got to know him pretty well through many conversations with Kelly. The love he had for his family was so abundant that I could feel it through the stories about him. He was the kind of man that I knew I could call anytime, and he would be there to help, no questions asked. (maybe a head shake but no questions) A Provider, a protector, the strong and calm center of his wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you adjust to life without him by your side. I hope you remember that even though you can no longer see him, he is still right there with you, in your hearts.

From: Audrey and Charles Balogh
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers for you at this very sad time. May happy memories of Donald help to ease the pain of his passing.

From: Greg Heiser
Please Mrs. Force, Kim, Kelly and family. Please accept my family’s sincere condolences. As I write this, all I can do is smile thinking about Donnie shaking his head all the times me, him and Hoop went racing. Him sitting in his lawn chair in the middle of the box truck as Bruce was doing 80+ on 519. Donnie just shook his head. Our breakdown in the middle of Trenton. Don waved some taxi down to get to a parts store. After our fourth trip and fourth breakdown, he looked at me shook his head and said Greg “I think you are bad luck with this truck”. Laughed like hell and shook his head. It was always great to see him and talk with him. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg, Brandie and kids

From: Sue Messinger Philkill
Dear Joan, I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. With heartfelt condolences, Sue Philkill

From: Janice and John Heiser
Dear Joan and family, We are sad learning of Donald’s passing. What an awesome,kind,and loving guy. May all of your great memories help you through this difficult time. Love and Prayers, John and Janice

From: Ken & Peggy Stull
Sorry to hear of Donald's passing . He and I always had great conversation . R.I.P. My friend .

From: Carol & Bob Jurgensen
Dear Joan & Family, We are so sorry for your loss and are hoping that happy memories will help to comfort you.

From: Doug and Mary Sunday
To Joan and family: Don was a quiet soul who was ready to help anyone, a proud vet, and a great family man. He will be missed by all who knew him and he will continue to watch over all of you. Take comfort in knowing he is breathing easy now and soaring among the angels. May be RIP. Love, Mary and Doug.

From: Ellanora & Ken Hamill
Joan and family...my heart goes out to you. It is obvious from reading some of the other condolences that Donald was well loved by all of your family and friends. Having moved away from the area so long ago, I am sorry I never got to know him as well as I would have liked to. You, of course, were always such a special part of my years growing up and will always be in my heart. May the wonderful memories you made through the years comfort you in the days to come.

From: Sue Senderling
Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

From: Karen Hamshar
Dear Joan, and family, God’s Angel called as her mower broke x she said” send only the very best.” I have great memories of doing deer runs with Don. Plus the time years ago when Don was mowing on Route 78. He had a front tire go flat on the tractor x he called me. So I send Bobby Phillips out to see what he needed. Then later afternoon, Don calls me again” I got another flat tire on the other front tire. I was getting ready to jump in our safety truck to run out to help him. Bobby came over the 2-way radio” we got the Don. RIP Don!! God has sent for your to help fix things for his angels, be it a broken wing or something needing mending

From: Karen Hamshar
Dear Joan, and family, God’s Angel called as her mower broke x she said” send only the very best.” I have great memories of doing deer runs with Don. Plus the time years ago when Don was mowing on Route 78. He had a front tire go flat on the tractor x he called me. So I send Bobby Phillips out to see what he needed. Then later afternoon, Don calls me again” I got another flat tire on the other front tire. I was getting ready to jump in our safety truck to run out to help him. Bobby came over the 2-way radio” we got the Don. RIP Don!! God has sent for your to help fix things for his angels, be it a broken wing or something needing mending

From: Betty Lou McPeek
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From: Jackie Spath
Miss Joan, Kelly, Kim, Nicole and Courtney, Our deepest sympathy ! Thoughts and prayers with you during this time. Sincerely, Jackie Spath and Family

From: Rene Campbell Brodeur
I'll always remember Don as being a friend to all. He was kind and considerate when we were in high school, and had a smile and a nice word for everyone. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joan and the girls, and I know he will be remembered by so many people as a great guy! Love you, Joanie.

From: Harry & Vicky Snyder
So sorry to hear about the passing of Donald. Prayers r with u all at this time

From: Harry & Vicky Snyder
So sorry to hear about the passing of Donald. Prayers r with u all at this time

From: Jane & Russell Carr
Dear Joan & Family, So sorry for your loss. Donald was one of a kind. Great guy. May the wonderful memories of him help to ease the difficulty of this painful time. Love, Jane & Russell

From: RICHARD AND ELAINE TAYLOR AND FAMILY
JOAN AND FAMILY, We are sorry to hear about Donald. He was a good friend and always thinking of others. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts.

From: Guy Walton
So honored to able to serve such a wonderful family. Thank you for your trust.

From: FAITH KUESPERT
So sorry to hear about Don. Sending my deepest condolences, he was a wonderful man! My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time Joanie.

From: Susan Schreck
Joan please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Susan (Berger) and Joe Schreck

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