John Curtis Johnson

July 25, 1958 – October 6, 2026

John Curtis Johnson, affectionately known as Curtis, passed away on October 6, 2026, in Grand Prairie, Texas, at the age of 68. Born on July 25, 1958, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Curtis was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend to many.

Curtis was the beloved husband and best friend of Kathleen “Kathy” Dale Johnson, whom he married on February 14, 1983. Their love and friendship spanned more than four decades, and Kathy was truly the love of his life. Together, they shared a life filled with family, friendship, adventures, and countless memories.

Curtis proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an E-2 Electrician aboard the USS Flying Fish. Following his military service, he built a successful career and ultimately retired as Director of Engineering for the North Texas Healthcare Laundry Cooperative Association.

While Curtis was accomplished in his career, those who knew him best knew that his greatest joys were found in the people and passions he loved. He had a lifelong love of sword making and Renaissance Fairs, adventures he shared with Kathy by his side. Curtis was a proud member of the Pirates of Poseidon (P.O.P.), a Renaissance Faire group that traveled together to fairs throughout the country. What began as a shared passion became something much deeper—a second family for Curtis.

Within P.O.P., Curtis was affectionately known simply as “Dad.” It was a name that reflected the special place he held within the group and the love and respect they had for him. To Curtis, P.O.P. was more than a group of people who shared a love of Renaissance Fairs—it was a second family. The friendships, camaraderie, adventures, and memories he shared with them held a special place in his heart.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Kathy Johnson; his children, Lisa Christie; Heather Hall and her husband, Phillip Hall; and Michael Christie and his wife, Kerri Christie; and his sisters, Sandra, Cynthia, and Karen. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Robin Swaringen and her husband, Matthew Swaringen; Ashley Hall; Reannon Heitz and her husband, Bradley Heitz Jr.; Matthew Christie; Brittany Malone and her husband, Matthew Malone; Branden Alsup; Bailey Hall; and Maeghan Alsup. Curtis was also a proud great-grandfather to Makynnah Heitz, Grehson Heitz, Dexter Swaringen, and B'Ellana Swaringen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Johnson.

Curtis will be remembered for his devotion to Kathy, his love for his family, his loyalty to his friends, and his ability to find joy in the things that made life an adventure. He leaves behind not only a family who loved him deeply, but also friendships and memories that reached far beyond his immediate family. To his family, he was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will never be forgotten. To his friends, he was someone they could count on. And to his P.O.P. family, he was “Dad”—a title given with love and one he carried with pride.

His life was filled with love, adventure, friendship, and family. His stories will continue to be told, his memory will continue to be cherished, and the mark he left on the lives of those who knew him will remain.

Curtis may have left this world, but the adventure, love, and memories he created will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. Fair winds and following seas, Curtis. Until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grand Prairie Funeral Home, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050, on October 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.