Derek Thaxton Johnson

Derek Thaxton Johnson’s hour of separation came in the early hours of June 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Derek, 66, of Blanco, TX, is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy Lynette (Smith), two daughters, Dawn Michelle Williams and Chrystine Carole Johnson, and her fiance’ Ty Michael Reed, sister Denisa Johnson-Lusso; 4 grandchildren: Robert Ellis (Tre’) Williams, III; Lilly Ann and Aubrey Lynn Arellano, and Jace Michael Reed, and one great grandchild Robert Ellis (Bean) Williams, IV. He is also survived by many other family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents— mother, Davie Ann Bechtol and father, Monroe (Jargo) Dudley Johnson, and brother Deran Johnson.

Derek graduated from John Jay High School in San Antonio and attended the University of Texas Austin—graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In his senior year at John Jay, he was voted ‘best personality” along with his good friend Cynthia Hornsby. Soon after graduating from UT, he landed a job with EOG and served 30 years as a petroleum landman retiring in April 2024.

One of the many things that Derek ‘got right’ was 41 years of marriage. He met Kathy at the pool on Lackland Air Force base where he was a lifeguard. Kathy’s dad was the athletic director, and her dad asked her which pool she wanted to work at that summer as a cashier, and she said she chose the pool where Derek was because he was the most goodlooking lifeguard and “the rest is history.”

Derek, who was also known as DJ, DT, Honey, Poppy, Papaw, BFAM (Brother From Another Mother), was much more than he appeared to us: a family man, a dear friend, a leader, husband, father, brother, a good neighbor, hunter, fisherman, jokester, consoler, Christian. He lived to serve others and was always helping others. Derek was also a lifelong Longhorn, Cowboys and Spurs fan.

There wasn’t much that Derek didn’t know how to do—but then there were other things he talked about that well, talking was as good as it gets—i.e. his golf game—normally it takes about 4 hours to play 18 holes but when you played with Derek, it took about 6 hours– just ask friends Brenda and Iris. As much as he loved going to the lake (lakes Medina and Mathis and Horseshoe Bay) with his boat, he never quite mastered backing the trailer up at the dock to launch or retrieve the boat. And his brother-in-law, Billy Ed Smith said he had lots of stories of adventures with Derek but the only one he could really share was the time that Derek almost sank his boat!

A friend and former neighbor, Kevin Shirley, posted on FB: “DJ was an amazing human being, quick to laugh with a sense of humor that would leave you in stitches.” And nephew Billy Smith said: “we said goodbye to a man who was full of life, love and laughter. Your presence lit up the room, your kindness touched everyone you met. I’ll miss our talks, your advice and laughter. You will be in my heart forever. Thanks for being the incredible uncle you were.”

Derek loved the Buggy Barn in Blanco, especially going to Sunday Bible Study. Fellowship was important to him, and it showed in the way he lived his life. Derek knew how to get the best out of people even when they were at their worst. He was a great uplifter, encourager, teacher and a compassionate soul. He worked with people ‘where they were’ and did not judge or criticize. He was a true friend who willingly came to the aid of anyone who asked. He was the rock that family and friends could stand on safely. He taught us all the importance of standing together, no matter what. Daughter Chrystine reiterated that, “during this difficult time what has stuck out to me most is he intentionally built our family to be strong and united no matter what. I will be forever grateful for that.”

We will miss those blue eyes, that smile and his wisdom. Derek was a man bigger than life, and we will never forget what he so willingly gave each of us. He was a life well-lived that touched and shaped all who were fortunate to have known him.

There are many more life stories to tell of Derek Thaxton Johnson that will be revealed by friends and family alike at noon on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Porter Loring North Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 3 p.m. at the Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco, TX.

In lieu of flowers we ask you to please donate to Derek’s favorite charity, St. Jude's Children’s Hospital.