Gary Johnson

Gary Hugh Johnson

1932 – 2017

His family has lost a loving father and grandfather, his community a respected businessman, and his friends a loyal confidant. After courageously living with Lewy Body Dementia for over nine years, Gary Johnson peacefully left this earth Monday, January 9, 2017.

Gary Johnson was born in Shawnee Switch June 1, 1932. He was one of three boys born into the family of John D. and Carmen Johnson. Gary grew up on Shawnee Prairie. As a young man he worked at Lufkin Foundry, served his country in the United States Air Force, worked for Harris County Sherriff’s Department, Pinkerton Detective Agency of Houston, and Angelina County Sherriff’s Department.

After a patient and long pursuit, he married Marie Boles in 1962. In 1967 they moved to McAllen, Texas where they would live for the next 47 years. While in McAllen, Gary exercised his entrepreneurial muscle opening Johnson Ropa Usada and running it for over 40 years. He partnered with his two brothers, James and Wayne Johnson, to open Johnson International Materials. He was also a partner in Argus Security and various other ventures throughout his duration in the Rio Grande Valley.

Gary was a steadfast servant of God. He was very active in Calvary Baptist Church of McAllen where he served as a deacon. He served community youth through Buddy Owens Children’s Home, mentoring them in raising livestock to show and sell at the Mercedes Livestock Show each year.

Gary’s passion was hunting and fishing.  His heart was most full when fishing with family and friends whether at Port Mansfield, South Padre Island, or along the banks of the Neches River. His most prized possession was his gorgeous log cabin perched up on a hill next to the Neches where he enjoyed many holidays and other gatherings with the people he loved.

Gary and Marie have enjoyed 54 years of marriage and two daughters, Rebecca Lynn Johnson and Jennifer Johnson Lindemann.  His biggest joy was his two granddaughters Abigail and Tatum Lindemann and he had a warm and caring relationship with his son-in-law, Keith Lindemann.

Gary and his family were blessed to have the help of Maggy Rodriguez in McAllen and Zipporah Ndungu in The Woodlands, providing skilled and loving care over the years. His family is grateful to Silverado Memory Care of The Woodlands and Rose of Texas Hospice for the gentle care of Gary during his final days.

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