Virgil Quentin Johnson

Virgil Quentin Johnson, of Odessa, TX died peacefully on March 18, 2021 surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness. He was 35 days short of his 93rd birthday. Virgil was born on April 22, 1928 near Cody, Wyoming to Russell Johnson and Mary Elizabeth (Westfall) Johnson. They were farmers, but the crash of 1929 and inevitable lowering prices forced them to call it quits. Russell moved the family into Cody and he became a bookkeeper.

Virgil was the second born child of six and the oldest son. Eileen was the oldest followed by Virgil, Doris, Elizabeth and twins James and Mary Jane. With Virgil passing, only the twins remain. In 1947, the year Virgil graduated from Cody High School, his parents were forced to move to a warmer climate because of Russell's health. In order to graduate with his high school class, Virgil remained behind and stayed with friends of the family.

Virgil excelled in band, football, choir, wrestling and even played around with boxing for a bit, but he said he didn't care for it. It was with band and music that he found his true passion. He squeezed in a year of college before he decided to try out for the U.S. Air Force band. All of his practice paid off­ he was accepted and went on to fulfill a 26 year career as a bandsman. Virgil's career sent him to many places such as Texas, Alaska, Washington D.C., Louisiana, Florida, Germany, and Spain. He retired in 1974 and settled in Spain for several years.

Around 1982, Virgil moved back to Odessa to be closer to his aging parents, who were now in Andrews, TX. While there, he enrolled at UTPB to finish his degree. He enjoyed substitute teaching and joined the Odessa College Community Band in which he played clarinet for almost 25 years. Virgil also had the largest stamp collection known to man. He had collected stamps all of his life. On every Saturday he would go to Andrews to help his parents with shopping and yard work, which almost always ended in a trip to K-Bobs for a nice meal.

In 1985, Virgil was on the UTPB walking trail (back then it was known as the "parkour") running laps. He had passed a very nice looking lady a few times during his run when, on the last pass, he decided to stop and talk to her. Her name was Carolyn and she was a single parent of 5 young adult children. Virgil had 4 fully grown children of his own back east. Much to both of their surprise, Carolyn had just returned from a vacation in Spain so they had plenty to talk about! They both loved music, walking, old movies, and gardening. They were married on November 1986 in Las Vegas and lived happily ever after.

After 20 years of thinking you know everything about someone, Carolyn discovered that Virgil had never in his life owned a dog. To her, this was not acceptable. In a Sunday edition of the Odessa American's pet-of-the-week was a fully grown dog with the prettiest and saddest eyes. Sam was the first rescue dog. Then came Max. Then came Charlie. He would take them for walks everyday and personally guarantee they ate their weight in treats. Virgil had a ball with his dogs and he loved them with his entire soul...and they truly loved him back. Every step he took was mirrored with several sets of tiny paws and every time he sat down a dog was in his lap. There are some lonesome doggies at home now.

Virgil Q. Johnson is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lee Johnson; four children: Vicki Settle of Martinsburg, WV, Joan Brooks of Philadelphia, PA, Randall Johnson of Martinsburg, WV, and Kenneth Johnson (Markita Johnson) Brady, TX; his brother: James S. Johnson of Prince George, VA; his sister: Mary Jane Ellinger of Linden, TX; step-children, Jennifer Haverly of Odessa, Cherie Dockery of Colorado City, Jeannie Boyd of Odessa, Stacey Barkley of Odessa, and Eric Owen of Colorado; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

No services are planned. The family will meet at a future date for interment of the cremains at the Colorado City Cemetery, Johnson plot. Thank you to Odessa Funeral Home for their assistance.