Benjamin George Johnson

Benjamin George Johnson (B.G.) born October 27, 1934 in Toyah, Texas died January 12, 2013 in Midland, Texas. Upon graduation from Toyah High School, he entered the Air Force. Two tours of active duty overseas gave him a lifetime of memories and lifelong friends. After being honorably discharged from military service in 1960, he joined the Odessa Police Department. From there he went to work for Sheriff A.M. “Slim” Gabriel at the Ector County Sheriff’s Department. It was there he formed a love of law enforcement that lasted 33 years. Upon moving to Midland in 1970, he worked for the Midland County Sherriff’s Department. In 1971, he went to work for the Midland Police Department and continued there for the next 25 years, retiring in 1997. Here he earned the nickname “Bulldog Johnson” for his tenacity in solving cases. He loved being outside and building things. Son and grandson of carpenters, he single handily built a two story barn. Digging fish ponds and cellars, building green houses and outbuildings of all kinds and adding onto the house kept him busy. He retired one day and announced the next morning, he was remodeling the inside of the house, and he did. He took pride in vegetable gardening and grew great tomatoes but had no patience for flowers. He loved his three barn cats and the Shih Tzu dogs in the house. His favorite Dudley will be waiting for him.

He is preceded in death by his father Garland Johnson, mother Ruby Johnson Cunningham and stepfather Ab Cunningham.

Those left behind to honor and cherish his memory is his wife, Lynda Gorman Johnson of the home, five children, son, Roger Dan Johnson and wife Leslie of Comanche, Texas, daughter, Lynn Denise Burquist of Houston, son, Douglas Johnson and wife Fonda of Andrews, son, Terry Don Johnson of Houston and son, Billy Johnson and wife Lillie of Midland, twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He loved and was fiercely proud of his children. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Wanda Reep of Brookport, ILL, Beverly Latimer and husband Clay of Houston, and brother-in-law, Roger Gorman of Hermitage,AR; aunts, Lillie Mae Lukins of Sweetwater, Texas and Lois Boulter of Branson,MO.

Our thanks to the staff and management of Terrace West Nursing and Rehab of Midland and Midland Hospice, who made his journey much eaiser than it could have been.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate BG’s life on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 2:00pm in the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pet Solutions Inc, P.O. BOX 3524, Midland, Texas 79702 or a charity of your choice.