Wilbur Gene Johnson

Gene was born in San Diego, California August 24, 1938. His Dad, Wilbur Rudolph Johnson, was a Career Naval Officer and Gene often stayed with extended family so that his Mother, Juanita (Patterson) Johnson could go visit his father in distant places. His younger sister Patricia Vanatta resides in Owasso, Oklahoma with her husband Mickey.

Gene attended grade school in Pittsburg, Kansas and then his senior year of High School in Bartlesville, Oklahoma where his Dad had accepted a position as instructor at the Bartlesville Vo-Tech. His mother Juanita worked for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for many years. Gene served in the U.S. Army Reserve and attended Oklahoma State University before joining the U.S. Navy. Afterwards he began a 25-year career with American Airlines (AA) at the Tulsa Maintenance Center as an aviation engine mechanic.

He and Barbara married in 1971 in Tulsa. Gene then transferred with AA to the

San Francisco Bay area and he became maintenance supervisor for AA at SFO airport. He and Barbara resided in California for 13 years and had two sons, Joshua and Bradley, now also living in Oklahoma City. Gene also has 2 sons, Scott of Midwest City, and Chris, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and daughter Jeanna, deceased, of Claremore, Oklahoma.

Gene was intelligent, tenacious, and loved opera as well as country music. He enjoyed History and was a great believer in education, attending the University of Central Oklahoma to complete his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was great at all household repairs, car maintenance, and the occasional project. He enjoyed collecting model trains and airplanes as well as building them. He loved roses, and bought Barbara many rose bushes. He had a voracious sweet tooth, including everything from doughnuts to cookies.

Gene enjoyed spending time with his family. He was thrilled to have grandchildren and loved being with them, and of course spoiling them. He loved his family very much, even though at times it was hard to see. He had a stern facade, but those close to him knew he was a "softie" on the inside and cared very much for those around him. He loved helping veterans and volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans of Oklahoma.

He is Preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Jeanna. Leaving behind his wife of 46 years, Barbara; sister, Pat Vanatta; sons, Scott, Chris, Josh, and Brad; and his faithful dog Charlie.