Johnny Oliver Townson
Johnny Oliver Townson, age 96, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019 at his residence.
He was born Oct. 18, 1922 in Hill County, Texas. Johnny moved with his family to the Lockett Community in 1928. He was a member First United Methodist Church.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Rusty Dickerson officiating. Graveside services will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Family visitation will be at Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home.
Johnny graduated from South Lockett High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in October 1942 and was honorary discharged on Dec. 1, 1945, serving in WWII. He married Dortha Jean Hampton in May on 1951. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before Dortha’s passing in 2013. Prior to his retirement, Johnny was a 35-year employee for Lone Star Gas Co. He was a member of the Vernon Lions Club, and he officiated high school football and baseball games, Wichita Falls Chapter for 26 years.
Johnny is survived by his 4 R’s, Roger and Cheryl Townson of Vernon, Rickey and Paige Townson of Breckenridge, Texas, Rita and Tim Choat of True, Texas, and Regina Green of Vernon, Texas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) Townson and Vina Lackey Townson and his two brothers, two sisters. Two granddaughters preceded him in death, Renee’ Townson Kan and Alexis Johnson. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Dortha, who preceded him in death in 2013.
Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Hawkins, James Brock, as well as past or present members of the SFOA as well as TASO.
The family requests in-lieu of flowers that memorials donations are made in Johnny’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Vernon and /or The Lion’s Club Kid League Baseball Program.
Special thanks to the staff of Eagle Flats Village and Hospice of Wichita Falls for the compassionate care he received.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com.
