Rev. Charles Harold Johnson

1926 - 2021

Rev. Charles Harold Johnson passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021. He was born in Santa Ana, CA, March 24, 1926, and was the middle child of Clarence and Cleona, having an older brother Carl and a younger brother David. He grew up with his family on a citrus ranch in Orange Park Acres, CA, where he was an avid sportsman and had fond memories of hunting, fishing and hiking with his brothers. When Charles was 18 years of age, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country in the Pacific theatre during WWII. Afterwards he attended Pasadena University (now Point Loma). One summer while working in Eureka, CA, he attended a church beach outing where he met the beautiful Gloria Cross. That would be the beginning of a courtship and marriage that lasted over 71 years. Upon graduation Charles and Gloria began an adventure throughout Latin America with a special focus on Mexico, ministering the Gospel of Christ to those in need. This included Mexico City and the remote jungles of Veracruz. During their many years of marriage Charles and Gloria were blessed with five loving children, 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Charles is survived by his wife Gloria. Daughter-in-law (Suzy); children Christopher, Jeremy, Stephanie, Andrea and Grace. Son Mark Wesley (Linda); children Jacob and Melody. Son David Gerald (Jeanne); children Johanna and Joseph. Son Paul Harold (Pamela) children Jason and Michael. Daughter Susan Elizabeth (Peter) children Joshua, Joel, Jonathan, Joseph, Josiah, and Jordan

Charles enjoyed many hobbies that included reading, walking, traveling, history, and studying Hebrew. His greatest love, however, was studying the Bible and spending quiet time with God. He was a man of tremendous faith, a minister by profession; however, his heart-felt calling was to serve and help others. Charles and Gloria moved their family to El Paso in 1972, where they could easily travel across the El Paso/Juarez border into Mexico and where he continued to work and serve throughout his 94 years. He was a strong, loyal, and determined man with a quiet presence. Nothing brought him greater joy than to fellowship with family and the many Christian friends he met over the years. Charles especially enjoyed hearing the stories his five children shared of their unique experiences while living in Mexico.

Charles is resting now in his eternal home, joined by those that went on before him. Predeceased by his father Clarence; mother Cleona; brother David John; son Stephen Richard. What a celebration he must be having! He will be missed here, but “Our loss is Heaven’s gain.”

Charles will be buried at Fort Bliss Military Cemetery on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, with only immediate family in attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions. A virtual memorial service is planned for the near future.

Contributions in his memory can be made to: Frontline Evangelism, 2124 Septiembre Dr, El Paso, TX 79935