Ross William Johnson, Sr.

Ross William Johnson, Sr was born in Bakersfield, California on November 29, 1946 to Herschel and Doris (Hickman) Johnson and entered heaven on February 2, 2026 at the age of 79 peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Ross grew up in Oildale, California, which he was always proud of being an Oildale boy. He attended Standard School and graduated from North High School in 1964. He was a member of the First Baptist Church later known as Olive Drive Church. Ross played the accordion at many functions for the church. His mother put Ross and his brother Randy in Cottillion Class when they were young. She wanted her boys to know about manners, kindness and respect. This carried on throughout Ross's life.

Ross met Jane Sorensen when they both worked at Elk Hills at the Naval Petroleum Reserve. They were married on February 21, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were the perfect loving matches. Two children, Jill and Ross Jr., were born to this union. Ross built the family home he and Jane lived in since 1990 and where they raised their children. He knew this would be the perfect place for little kids to grow up. Ross loved his family so much. He loved hearing the grandchildren call him Papa.

Ross started off working for Floyds Hardware while attending Bakersfield College where he earned an AA degree. Ross started his oilfield venture at Tosco Oil Refinery in 1969. He became self-employed working in various oilfield capacities. In 1976 he began working at Elk Hills for Williams Brothers Engineering as Maintenance Supervisor. His employment continued with Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc. In 1999 Ross became self-employed doing construction and inspections using his General Contractors License which he acquired in 1985. He did inspection of fiber optic lines and was Project Manager at two co-generation plants. He eventually went back to Elk Hills in 2005 working for PSN Wood Group where he became Vice President, West Coast Operations. Ross finally decided to retire on November 1, 2014. He loved the oilfields.

In Ross's younger life he coached Stepson Danny's Little League Baseball team. Ross also owned two bars, a wrecking yard and a radiator shop during his lifetime. He was always looking for an investment which he would make successful. Ross loved his antique car collection. He grew up working on them with his dad which made it much more special. He belonged to the Antique Car Club of Bakersfield. In 2015 Ross became a Board Director for Oildale Mutual Water Company. He continued as a Director until April 1, 2024. Ross had a weekly lunch group who met at various restaurants. Some of the guys in the group were his high school classmates. Ross always said, "I have had a good life." He never took anything for granted.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Herschel and Doris Johnson, and his Father and Mother-in-law Marvin and Mardell Sorensen both of Exira, lowa. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; Daughter Jill Johnson and her son Sebastian Valenzuela; Son Ross Johnson Jr. and his wife Mary and their children Daniel, Raelynn, Broden and Barrett Johnson; Brother Randy Johnson; Stepson Dan Durham and family and Stepdaughter Becky Crean and family; Brother-in-law Craig Sorensen and Brother and Sister-in-laws Chuck and Connie Sorensen all of Exira, lowa and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to niece Angela Immel whose love, support, and presence meant more than words can express. Thank you also to Jill's Boyfriend, Justin Buentello and girls Allie and Sandra for being a part of our family and your continued love and support.

Celebration of Life will be held February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Valley Baptist Church - Olive Drive Campus, 5500 Olive Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308