Harold Wayne Johnson

Harold was born to Zodus Louis Johnson and Gladys Ovelle Holt-Johnson on March 3, 1931, in Lubbock, Texas. He was the oldest of his siblings, David, Preston and Betty Joyce. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Elvera DeMarco-Johnson.

Born into sharecropping during the Depression, his family was able to move east settling in Hawkins, Texas where he grew up.

Being of high intelligence, Harold graduated high school a year early and ventured out to El Paso, Texas to work in the oil fields. He quickly decided it wasn't for him and moved back home. He enrolled in Kilgore College and earned an associate degree in mechanics, hoping to be a diesel mechanic working on race cars.

Being aware of the unrest in Korea, he knew he'd be drafted for service. Rarely one to be told what to do, he ignored the Army summons and enlisted in the US Navy on February 6, 1951. He was quickly trained as an aviation electronics mate and sent to Korea where he flew on ant submarine missions.

Harold completed his service and discharged in San Diego, California where he quickly gained employment with Convair, later General Dynamics, where he met his wife, Elvera. A daughter, Jessica, was born in early 1973. Transferring several times with General Dynamics, the family finally settled in Weatherford, Texas in 1977. Both Harold and Elvera were very active in local, state and national politics, holding leadership roles in each level.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Pizzitola, two grandsons Michael and Nathan, great-grandson, Lucas, and many nieces and nephews. He will be buried in the DFW National Cemetery beside his wife.