Clifford Ronald Johnson

Clifford Ronald “Ron” Johnson passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. Ron was born in White Oak, Missouri and lived in the New Orleans area for 51 years. He was a proud graduate of Southeastern Missouri State University and was a claims representative for the Social Security Administration for 30 years. He and the love of his life, Vivian Manes Johnson, built a beautiful life of 44 years together, 29 of those as husband and wife. He was the devoted stepfather of Lisa Larkin, Laure Tapia, James William Larkin, III and Janie Fourcade, and treasured Paw-Paw Ron to his 12 grandchildren, William “Tommy” Hollis, Hope Hollis, Daniel Tapia, Elizabeth Tapia, Michael Tapia, Brooke Cole, Tabitha Coronna, Steven Larkin, Gavin Larkin, Sloan Larkin, Emily Fourcade, and Andrew Fourcade, and his 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents James Johnson and Bertha Goldsmith, as well as his 7 older siblings and is survived by a niece and nephews.

Even though his children and grandchildren were not biologically his, he rightfully called them his own while loving each of them fiercely and unconditionally. Ron loved boating, planes, and trains, as well as nature photography (in particular birds, butterflies, and the Natchez Trace). He loved strumming one of his many Martin guitars and also teaching some of his grandchildren how to play, extending his love of music to them. He enjoyed watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and horse racing. He enjoyed the music of Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Bob Dylan, Flats and Scruggs, and Willie Nelson, along with many other talented performers. He was once an aspiring pilot, a charter member of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and was keenly intrigued by the Civil War, 1930s, and World War II history. His love of history also inspired him to be an avid reader of many history related topics and historical figures. He also enjoyed telling stories about growing up in Missouri, along with sharing many interesting and to say the least, funny life experiences! He was a member of the Crescent City Model Railroad Club, and the Copper Dome Society of Southeast Missouri State University. He was truly a kind, loving, gentle soul with a huge heart and he will undoubtedly be sorely missed. Much heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the excellent home care given by Heart of Hospice, especially to his nurse, Jennifer, Chaplain Duane, and hospice counselor Jessica, for all their love and support.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 31st at 3:00 p.m. at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to his favorite mission, Trades for Life, care of Ken and Marion Fuller (email address: [email protected] and phone number: (205) 222-7084).