Howard Franklin Johnson

Howard Franklin Johnson passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013.  Howard’s incredible journey started on May 12, 1922, when he became the first born to Harve Franklin Johnson and Bessie Maddux Johnson.  Raised on a farm, during the depression, Howard learned the value of a nickel and kept it until he passed. 

After attending Brock High School, he happily farmed on the family land until 1942 – when the Nazis came calling.  Like most men of his day, he didn’t wait for the draft, he volunteered.  After basic training at Fort Walters, Washington State was nothing more than a hiccup to serving in the 3rd Army under the command of General George Patton.  Being a country boy he was assigned to the small arms sighting and repair.  He received a battle star for the Battle of the Rhine River.  He also learned to weld in the Army and was honorably discharged. 

Upon returning to Brock he took a job with Gulf Oil, where he met and married the former Ellen Gwenelle Eagon, the first and last and only woman he ever kissed.  They were transferred to Midland, where their son James Franklin Johnson was born.  Howard was a welding inspector on the first continental pipeline built from west Texas to Delaware.  Howard also inspected in Ecuador and other locations. 

After his retirement in 1985, he returned to his first love, the Weatherford area.  They were proud members of Brock Methodist Church.  They attended church, volunteered, travelled extensively and enjoyed Weatherford.  Gwenelle passed on August 5, 2003, leaving Howard to finish the journey alone.  Howard was a member of the Brock Masonic Lodge for 64 years as well as a member of the Brock Eastern Star. He was truly one of the "greatest generation."

Howard leaves behind his son, James F. Johnson; grandson Tyler Johnson; brother James “Sonny” Johnson; sister Nina Howell; 2 nieces and 8 nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Gwenelle in 2003 and his sister, Wilma Alexander in 2009.

Visitation 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

Funeral Service 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel with interment at Brock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the Brock Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.