Obituary for John Johnson

John D. Johnson – Veteran

July 9, 1941 – July 16, 2017

John D. Johnson Sr. 76, longtime Ponca City resident passed away Sunday evening, July 16, 2017 in the Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital in Wichita, Kansas with his daughter by his side. The youngest of four brothers, John was born on July 9, 1941 in Ponca City, OK to Albert W. and Orma Grace Pitzer Johnson.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2017 in the Grace Memorial Chapel funeral home with Pastor Dennis Wildman, pastor of Burbank First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City, OK.

John grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Po High in 1959. After his service in the United States Army, he returned to Ponca City. John met the love of his life Berenice Neal and they were married August 29, 1968 in Perry, OK and they made their home in Ponca City, OK. Along with daughter Janiece and sons Johnny and Russell, the family had some of their best times traveling to various places in John’s old pick-up and camper. After Johnny’s death in 1989, John helped his wife show her original oil paintings all around the United States. John worked for Conoco for over 30 years and he retired in 2001. After retirement John became very active with the American Red Cross and, along with his wife, assisted families which lost everything due to house fires and national disasters such as Oklahoma and Alabama Tornadoes and numerous hurricanes. The last disaster relief run they went on was to aid the victims of Superstorm Sandy. John and Berenice were recognized as volunteers of the year in 2011 for the American Red Cross receiving the William Probes Award (Tulsa Chapter American Red Cross). John enjoyed spending time and plotting with his Grandson, traveling, and taking short road trips to the Lake with his Black Lab, Junie May.

Survivors include; his daughter; Janiece Rhodes and husband Fred of Ponca City, OK; grandson Brandon Rhodes of Ponca City, OK; son Russell Sroufe of Wichita, Kansas; 2 brothers Martin Johnson of Tulsa and Sam Johnson of Hudson, Wisconsin. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his soul mate of 46 years Berenice in 2015; 1 son John D. Johnson Jr in 1989; and 1 brother Raymond ”Ray” Johnson.

Online condolences may be done at www.gracememorialchapel.net