Howard Dean Johnson

Howard “Dean” Johnson passed away July 19, 2011. Dean was born in Oklahoma City and raised in Hawaii. He returned to Oklahoma City to attend and graduate from Classen High School in 1960. Dean spent two years active duty in the Navy stationed at Barbers Point Navel Air Station in Hawaii. He attended Oklahoma State University and became an avid fan of the Cowboys. He worked for various departments of Oklahoma State Government as a computer programmer, retiring in the early 1990s. He loved to spend time in his yard, growing elephant ears, hibiscus, and producing the perfect lawn. The Tiki Hideaway was his pride and joy. He spent many hours enjoying coffee with friends or having parties with friends and family.

Dean Johnson was an avid supporter of Warr Acres. He served three terms as councilman for Ward 3, leaving only due to declining health.

Johnson came by his dedication to Warr Acres from his father who was the first volunteer policeman in the city. When asked to serve by former Mayor Marietta Tardibono, he was eager to take up the challenge. He was an advocate for the city, the employees, the police and fire departments. He was stalwart in working to make things better for all.

Johnson was on the council while the city was struggling with near bankruptcy. It was a trying time for the city’s leadership and Dean took a commanding lead. During his tenure in office he did an in-depth study of the sanitation department and its rates. He was diligent in making sure everything was fair. He worked hard for the passage of a small tax increase so the city could replace aging equipment. Because of that the Warr Acres fire department has a state of the art engine and the police department has new cars with much needed technical advantages.

He was a advocate for new businesses, instigating a business directory. The second printing will soon be in every Warr Acres home to help its citizens do more business locally.

He was an avid supporter of the recycling program started five years ago. He was known as “the Donut Man” by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who volunteer for the program.

Mayor Pat Woolley said, “He was a sincere and honest politician. He never wanted credit for all the work he did, just a thank you. He was modest about his accomplishments.”

Woolley continued with his praise saying Dean counseled new councilmen with his wisdom. “He was a big help to me and to all others. Dean will be sorely missed.”

Dean is survived by his children Douglas Johnson and wife Misty, Darin Johnson and wife Manuela, Rad Janloo and fiancé Nadine, Reza Janloo and Leila Janloo, grandchildren Braden Cook, Tessa Johnson, Raycen Johnson, Marcel Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Aubry Johnson, Mahya Mawby, Zarah Mawby, great grandchild Iziah Cook and of course, Willow and Elian.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday July 23, 2011 at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7500 W. Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK. Following the services a celebration of Dean’s life will be held at the Tiki Hideway.

Arrangements under the direction of Guardian Funeral Homes West Chapel, Oklahoma City, OK.