Heather praying for you and your family.   I know your grandpa is a very special person to you, continue to hold him in your heart.  I'm sorry for your loss.

Doc was such a simple man!!! Was one not to complain, judge, nor gossip. Dedicated himself to his faith, family and friends and helping those in need. This world would be a better place if there were more people like him. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. You were only a stranger to Doc once.  We are deeply saddened and will miss Doc too. Ray, Patie and Austin

Grandpa will be missed by so many.  Here is the eulogy I shared on Sat:  I wanted to share with you what it meant for me to be a granddaughter to my Grandfather today.  Before I do that though, I wanted to pray with you.  I am going to share the prayer that Grandpa recited before every meal.  This past fall over the course of several dinners, I think I finally captured his regular prayer.  Would you pray with me please?

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for another wonderful, happy, happy day.  Our life has been so blessed.
Please be with us.  Be with hun.  Be with me.  Be with Darlene, Midge, Delores, Roxie, Isleen and Faye.  Be with Mark and Anita.  Be with John and Debbie.  Be with all of our grandchildren, Heather, Missy, Kara, Rollie, Kaylee and Josh.  Be with Big Ava and Little Jack.  Be with our service people.  
In Jesus' Name
Amen

Grandma and Grandpa had four Grandgirls as we are known to them.  Heather, Kara, Kaylee and I.  We lived on the same acreage, in separate homes but we weren't raised as cousins.  We were much closer than cousins, more like sisters actually.  That had a lot to do with our Grandpa.  Grandpa would gather us up and take us to go play every day.  In the forests, in the creeks, in the trees.  He taught us about nature.  About play.  About making time for family.  About forgiveness.  He was our best friend.  Our favorite playmate.  In fact, the same is true for Jack and Ava Marie today.  Nobody else matters when he is in the room.  They only had eyes for him.

My earliest memory with my Grandfather is tottering after him in the garden.  I remember following him as he made small mounds for corn and being instructed to place three seeds in each hole.  It makes me very happy that my daughter, Ava Marie now has those same memories.  Frequently after work, I would be told to gather her in the garden.  There I would find the sharpest dressed man this side of the Mississippi hoeing a row.  All of my Great Aunts and Uncles were and are very dapper and the ladies always had the best fashion.  In true form, Grandpa would be in pressed slacks and a button down long sleeved shirt working hard in his garden.  I would find my little girl peeping in between the rows and come running to me.  She would have tomato juice down her front and an onion in one hand and a banana pepper in her other fist.  Dowsed from playing with the garden hose and muddy from head to toe.  But happier than ever.  I will miss talking to him in the garden as he leaned against his hoe or beside them both on the bench.

In those daily talks each of us girls know the pressure of answering the question, What did you learn today?  No matter how trivial you had better come up with something.  If you didn't he would provide some interesting fact, that you most certainly never knew before.  For instance, did you know a kangaroo can't jump backwards?  I love hearing my daughter recite these facts now as well.  Mom, did you know the size of your eye never changes?  Education was a priority for my Grandfather and his example and support of our education is a major reason that we have each succeeded in our professions.

Grandpa taught us to be brave.  Want to climb that tree?  Climb it.  Want to get down in the muddy creek?  Go down in it.  Want to sled off that hill and skid across the ice of the pond?  Go for it.  Many times he would giggle and laugh if we got stuck in a tree, or in mud, or couldn't get up off the ice but he would be there making sure things were safe and to help us out.  One day I came up to Grandma and Grandpa's to pick up Ava Marie and was told she was out back with Grandpa.  I came out and Grandpa was leaning against a pine tree in the back yard.  We chatted for a bit before I asked Grandpa where Ava Marie was.  He just looked up.  So I looked up to find my four year old.  She was probably twenty feet up and climbing.  This Mama's heart was in her chest but when I looked at Grandpa he was just smiling up at her.  She got back down safely of course.  Those experiences were invaluable.  It taught us to take chances.  He taught us that we weren't just girls, and to lean in when the world tried to push us around.  He taught us to be strong.

Grandpa taught me North, South, East and West.  He would take me into a field and ask me to point into a specific direction.  Grandpa also brought four generations to true North, to God.  He was steadfast in his faith.  Sitting by him in church with Grandma on one side and Grandpa on the other are some of my fondest memories.  The way he lived his life, as a good Christian man, who lived a life of service is a huge factor as to why we have accepted Jesus as our savior.  

I know he is in heaven now.  The best dressed man in a beautiful garden.  Surrounded by our family, loved ones and friends.  We Grandgirls and Jack are going to miss our best friend, our first playmate and our Grandpa immeasurably.  I can make a promise though.  A promise that we will continue to practice the things he taught us.  And we will do it with the dignity of a Johnson and with the grace of one as well.

My sympathies to the family in your loss of Orval.  May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) give you the strength to cope during this time of loss.

Doc and I had a special relationship. As some folks know Doc was well read. Reading was one of his favorite past times. I am also a reader. We would have these inside bits, and jokes. Including lots of old timey bits of wisdom. Usually this was just between us. And their would be a wink and a smile, always the smile. That I think is that I will miss the most. No one else to share these times with......JC

Inez and Family,   God received and angel this week, who has many gifts kindness in his action and love of life and the LORD, joy with all the candy he gave and peace with all his kind words to all.  I know he is in heaven with my dad and I hope they are not causing too much trouble you know there is no one up there to keep them in line.   Love you all Janet Owings

I am truly sorry for your loss.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.

Kayna and I are sorry to here about your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

OBITUARIO

Orval F Johnson

29 mayo, 1919 – 22 julio, 2015

Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home & Floral Hills Cemetery

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