Morris was known in his lifetime as Morris, “Red,” “Uncle Red,” “Daddy,” and “Da.”
Morris D. Johnson was born at home in Mineral Wells, TX, to Mary Anna Blasdel and John Edward Johnson. He was the third son. The family moved to Austin in 1944 and became members at Central Christian Church.
Morris graduated from Austin High School in 1948; he then went on to the University of Texas at Austin where he lettered in track & field, specializing in the broad jump (long jump) and was in Naval ROTC. Morris graduated in 1952 from the University with a BBA. He then served in the United States Navy from 1952-54 aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt, he held the rank of LTJG, and was also appointed officer of the deck at age 23 during his service. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserves following honorable discharge from active duty. After discharge from the Navy, he returned to the University of Texas where he earned an MPA on the GI bill.
He met Eileen S. Johnston at the University of Texas and they were married June 9, 1956. They had 4 children (one son, James Andrew who passed away in 1987) and were married 39 years until Eileen’s passing in 1995. He married Carole Howard on October 26, 1996 and gained more family.
He was a licensed CPA for more than 40 years in Austin. After retirement he participated in a number of things that kept him busy. He was co-founder of the TSCPA peer assistance program now known as ACAN. He volunteered for Hospice Austin for more than 10 years and he taught many classes at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2 of which were the 12 Steps for Christians, Walking the Mourner’s Path and he also trained Stephen ministers. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin starting in 1966, serving at various times as an elder and deacon. He loved singing in the choirs at both Central Christian Church and Covenant Presbyterian church and enjoyed being a member of the Austin Civic Chorus. He was a self-taught guitar player and he played it any chance he got. His children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren loved singing with him and listening to him play. He obtained his private aviation license in 1963 and piloted the family on a number of vacation trips around the United States. During all of his volunteer service his personal guiding principle was “Show up and Care.”
Morris was predeceased by older brother Willard Johnson and younger sister Francis Kay Griffin. He is survived by his eldest brother J.E. Johnson of Fort Worth. Other surviving family includes his wife Carole Johnson, daughter Janet Baker and husband Marty Baker; son Douglas Johnson and wife Nancy Johnson; son Phillip Johnson and wife Diane Johnson, adopted daughter Jessie Trevino and her husband Mark Trevino. He is also survived by 4 stepsons: Obie Don Jones and wife Kimberly Jones; Colin Jones and Karen Leblanc, Darrell Jones and wife Leah Jones; and David Jones and wife Adella Jones. He was known as “Da” to his 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, Katie, Amber, and Brooks Baker; Danielle and Samantha Johnson; Obie Brandon & Emily Jones; Trevor and Eric Jones; and Brittany Agamaite and Caylin Agamaite. He was Uncle “Red” to his many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery located at 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 at 11 AM on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Then a celebration of Morris’ life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church Austin at 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, TX 78757 at 3 PM on Saturday, Feb 23, 2013.
Thanks to Hospice Austin and Lorrie Williams for their loving, caring support during Morris’ illness and to Dr. Tony Aventa. Donations may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs, Ste. 100 Austin, Texas 78759.
Please share memories of Morris and condolences with his family on his memorial page.
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