Don Johnson and Don McBurnett maintain a strong friendship, sharing a history of service and overcoming adversity.
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Before Don Johnson and Don McBurnett shared a performance stage, they shared life’s stage.
“Anytime there’s a need, there’s Don, Don da-da-da-Don,” sang Johnson, an 87-year-old Duncanville resident.
The duo met more than 20 years ago. “I knew Don Johnson before he knew me,” said McBurnett.
Before they had history, they made history by themselves. McBurnett is a Duncanville City Councilman. Johnson is the first and only Black Hall of Famer in his district’s Lions Club.
“He says the living legend. What was it? The legend that lives,” said Johnson.
They live to serve, and you rarely see one without the other, even at their Lions Club meeting. Johnson is a veteran known for his work throughout Dallas County.
“We started doing stuff throughout the city, from transportation to housing,” said Johnson.
His work also continued during a time of racial tension, when two men who looked like them wouldn’t be seen sitting side by side openly.
“When I hear his stories, I mean it’s, it’s history,” said McBurnett.
It is a history that made Johnson stronger. He struggled with alcohol addiction.
“I’ve been in recovery for 66 years. I entered recovery in 1958,” said Johnson.
That same year, he entered recovery, his two-year-old son died while he was serving time in prison.
“My son got killed in a car accident,” said Johnson. “Back then, we had to wait for a colored ambulance to come, and by the time they got there, he was dead.”
“It grabs your attention, and it lets you know that, hey, those differences existed,” said McBurnett.
Those differences are not what they are today. Instead, it’s what made their friendship special and they especially enjoy helping each other.
“I used to have good sight,” said Johnson. He is blind.
“This guy’s eyesight might be a little bit off; but he still has vision,” said McBurnett.
“I’m able to see a whole lot better mentally than I was able to see visually,” said Johnson.
With his buddy beside him, the vision is clear. Every week, McBurnett takes Johnson to karaoke. It’s their Friday night tradition.
“I’m in a hospice program, but I’m going to live until the day I die,” said Johnson. “I don’t count my problems. I count my blessings.”
One blessing is friendship. “My dad told me a long time ago. If you could hold up your hand and say I have one true friend, you’re a very successful person,” said McBurnett. “With Don Johnson, I have a true friend.”
“And I feel like I got a brother from another mother,” said Johnson.