Obituary Detail
April 17, 2021
Lawton Heather `John` Johnson, Age:89
Lawton Heather "John" Johnson, 89, died in Dallas, TX on April 17, 2021. Born on August 11, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts. John was the son of the late Jack and Helen Johnson. John grew up in the Boston area where he spent amazing summers on the New England coast. Prior to graduating high school, he boarded a plane to Long Beach, California to finish his schooling at Wilson High School class of 1949. Three days after graduation, John enlisted in the Navy and served in Adak, Alaska as the local announcer on WXLB Armed Forces radio. After honorable discharged, John returned to Long Beach where he found the love of his life, Jerry Ann Johnson and they were married in 1957 at Third Presbyterian Church. Over their 59 years of marriage, they were blessed with three sons; Mark Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Brian Johnson (wife, Karen) of Bentonville Arkansas, and Lance Johnson of Frisco, Texas; as well as two granddaughters, Anna Tobkin (husband, Conner) & Sarah Johnson of Prairie Village, Kansas, and grandson, Peyton Johnson of Frisco, Texas.
John's business career began in Long Beach, California at L.B. Ball Distribution. John later joined IBM Corp. working in sales and management. Over the next 20 years, he worked for IBM in El Paso, Dallas, San Jose, & Atlanta before returning to Dallas in 1979. He retired from IBM in 1981. After IBM he had the opportunity to be part of several other successful organizations including Ideas Unlimited, Synergistics Group & AdComp Systems as part of their leadership teams.
Within the community, John was active in Prison Fellowship (especially at the Lew Stewart Jail) as well as a DFW Airport Ambassador. As a member at New Covenant Presbyterian of Dallas, he served as an elder, a bible study leader and a leader of numerous committees. He loved to snow ski, tell stories (sometimes that went too long) and coordinate various events from church weekend retreats to talent shows at CC Young Senior Living Center.
A burial service is planned for Friday, April 23rd at noon at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith Arkansas officiated by pastor and friend Paul Brown. The service will also be live-streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-service--lawton-john-johnson-991029. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations in John’s honor to New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2525 N. Buckner Blvd, Dallas Texas 75228.
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Condolences
Todd Simms April 21, 2021
Friend Highlands Ranch , Colorado
So sorry for your loss Brian and family. Losing your parent is incredibly difficult, so we are thinking about you often. Simms Family
Mike Griswold April 21, 2021
Friend of Brian meridian , Idaho
Hi, Condolences to you and your family. Keeping you all in our prayers. Mike
Michelle Munro April 23, 2021
Friend Queen Creek , Arizona
Thinking of you and your family, Brian. Much love and hugs as you come together to cherish the memories of your father.
