Obituary of Johnnie Johnson

View Video Tribute Johnnie Johnson, age 76, of Bethune, CO passed away August 13, 2008. Johnnie was born January 31, 1932 in Smith Center, KS to Alvin and Fern (Robertson) Johnson. He was the third of eight children. Johnnie attended school in Kanorado, KS and in Bethune and Burlington, CO. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952. While in the Navy, he reached the rank of 3rd Class Seaman, served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his discharged he returned to Colorado and worked in well drilling and mechanic work. In August of 1957, Johnnie married Jeannette (Polly) Thompson in Raton, New Mexico. To this union was born three children, Johnnie, Deb and Duane. Around 1976 Johnnie opened his own shop, Johnnie’s Repair, and operated the repair shop until his retirement. Throughout his life Johnnie enjoyed his horses, going to the horse races, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren and neighbors, making and fixing things around the farm and watching football games. Johnnie was preceded in death by his infant son, Shane Ray, stepson, Steven Osborn, his parents, brother, James Johnson, and brother-in-law Donald Peters. Johnnie is survived by his wife Polly Johnson of Bethune, CO and his children Johnnie Johnson Jr. and wife Virginia, of Burlington, CO, Deb Babcock and husband Charlie, of Goodland, KS and Duane Johnson of Burlington, CO. Johnnie is also survived by his grandsons Leonard, Josh and Brent Johnson of Burlington, CO and granddaughter Jessica Johnson and Darren Way, of Dodge City, KS and great-grandchildren Gavin and Annika of Dodge City, KS. He is also survived by his siblings Geraldine Busby and Fred of Burlington, CO, Gerald Johnson and his wife Shirley, of Burlington, Co, Willa Peters of Stratton, CO, Ray Johnson and his wife Sharon of Denver, CO, Bonnie Moorehead and her husband Dennie of Ogallala, NE and Lauana Ivancek and her husband Ron of Westland, MI. Funeral services for Johnnie were held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Peacock and Pastor Bill Viergutz officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Burlington, Colorado. Visitation was held on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Love Funeral Home, Burlington, Colorado. Memorials may be made in Johnnie’s name to the Caring Hands Hospice or to the Grace Manor Care Center and may be left at the Bank of the West, Burlington, Colorado.