Victor “Jack” Johnson and his twin brother, Vernon Joe Johnson were born in July 1934, in Atlanta, Texas, to Raymond and Vera Johnson. They had two older brothers, Monte Johnson and Neill Johnson. Lois Fern Thut was born October 16, 1929 in Harper, Kansas to John and Anna (Brubaker) Thut. Lois was a registered nurse and continued a spirit of caregiving even after retirement. Jack graduated from Gladewater High School in 1952. He continued his education at Stephen F. Austin University graduating with a degree in music in 1956. After graduation, Jack worked for a year as a band director in Falfurrias, Texas until being drafted into the US Army in 1957. Jack completed basic training at Fort Carson, CO, and played drums in the 179th Army Band. While serving the Army in Colorado, Jack met Lois Thut, the love of his life. Lois and Jack were married on February 14, 1959 in Palmer, CO. Jack and Lois moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, after his discharge from the Army where he directed bands for the West Oso ISD for five years. They moved briefly to California where Jack taught for one year before returning to Colorado. Jack attended electronics school and built an A-Frame House at the base of a mountain in Palmer Lake, Colorado. The A-Frame house was Jack and Lois’s home (and a haven for their pets) for over 50 years. Jack worked as an electrician for Pueblo Army Depot until beginning his 20 year career installing electric meters for Colorado Springs Utilities. Jack and Lois enjoyed playing bridge and traveling. Lois enjoyed nature, feeding birds and animals, and caring for her dog Fu Ling, who preceded her in death. In addition to U.S. travels, Jack and Lois visited Australia, China, Japan, and Scotland. Upon retiring, Jack was an avid golfer and was thrilled to score a “hole in one” at the Monument Hill Country Club. Jack and Lois were very active leaders in the Palmer Lake community. Jack was a member of the Palmer Lake Planning Commission, beloved member of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club and ran the club’s football pool for many years. His legacy of service to and love by his community was evidenced as members of the Kiwanis Club and friends were in full force to help Jack and Lois and his family as they cared for him prior to his move to the care facility in Texas. The family is especially grateful to Bob and Raylene Johnson, Ed and LouAnn DeValois, John Snyder, Tom Weyer, Bill Jones, Roy and Jean Wheeler, and David and Ginger Dilorenzo. We are especially grateful for the care given to Jack in Longview by Heart’s Way Hospice and Summer Meadows and the ministry provided by Reverend Darwood Galaway, Reverend Ricky Ricks, and James Vermillion to Jack. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to HavenCare Nursing Home and Compass Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Lois. Jack was a kind and witty man, loved by his community. His humor, joy and heart for serving others were a blessing to friends and family. Lois’ kindness, sweet spirit, and generous heart were a precious gift to all who knew her. Jack and Lois will be greatly missed. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Abram Thut; her sisters, Esther Beck, Rachel Miller, Hulda Stipe, and Eunice Romack.
Jack and Lois are survived by, brother-in-law, Joe Johnson and wife Barbara; sister-in-law, Liz Johnson; nephews and nieces, Neill Johnson III, Clark Johnson and wife, Betty, Derry Summer, M.D. Shurley, Kent Johnson and wife, Belinda, Gwen Guidroz and husband, Paul, Marilyn Harper, Sally Robison, and husband Kenny; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial tributes may be sent to Monument Hill Kiwanis Club at PO Box 102 Monument, CO 80132.
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