DUANE JOHNSON
Duane Johnson, lifelong Foard County rancher and
devoted community leader, passed away Saturday, Oct. 18,
2025, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at
2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27th, at the First Baptist Church in
Crowell. Those who wish to visit with the family are invited
to stay at the church after the service for a time of fellowship
and remembrance.
Duane was born Dec.14, 1940, in Foard County, Texas, to
Virgil and Bonnie (Ownbey) Johnson of Foard City. He
graduated from Crowell High School in 1959 and attended
West Texas State College from 1959 to 1961.
On Aug. 19, 1961, Duane married the love of his life,
Margie Rasberry, at the Foard City Methodist Church.
Together they built a family rooted in faith, hard work, and community, raising three
children – Brad, LeAnn, and Doug.
A rancher all his life, Duane partnered with his father to form the JJ Ranch
(Double J Ranch), which he continued to operate with great pride. A skilled pilot and
an accomplished fiddle player, Duane’s love of music filled countless local events,
and he even recorded an album that reflected his joyful spirit and dedication to
preserving regional traditions.
Duane served his state and community in many ways. He joined the Texas State
Guard, 49th Armored Division in 1961, training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri,
and later at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Polk, Louisiana. His civic service included
leadership and board positions with numerous local organizations: Crowell
Independent School District Board of Directors, Foard County Hospital District,
Foard County Soil and Water Conservation District, First Ag Credit, Crowell State
Bank, and Foard County Appraisal District (Past Chairman). He was also active in
several professional and historical organizations, including: National Ranching
Heritage Center, Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, American Quarter
Horse Association, Foard County Historical Committee (Past President), and
Canyonlands Archeological Society. A faithful member of the Crowell Methodist
Church, Duane served as a Sunday School teacher and MYF (Methodist Youth
Fellowship) group leader, always finding ways to invest in the next generation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Bonnie Johnson.
Duane is survived by his beloved wife, Margie Johnson; son Brad Johnson and
wife Michele of Lubbock, Texas; daughter LeAnn Sewell and husband Trey of
Lindale, Texas; son Doug Johnson and wife Angie of Crowell, Texas; his
grandchildren: Victoria Sewell and husband Quinn; Joseph Sewell and wife
Stephanie (great-grandchildren Sayla and Lawrence); Alissa and husband Caleb
Connelly; Ethan, Sierra, Isaac, Airman David, Jeremiah, Jaydon, and Jerob Sewell;
Trevor Johnson of Frisco and Tanner Johnson of Crowell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sparrows Matter, 2808 South Main,
Suite I, Lindale, TX 75771, or online at www.sparrowsmatter.org. The organization,
founded and directed by his daughter, LeAnn Johnson Sewell, was inspired by her
father’s compassion and generosity.
Duane’s life was marked by faith, integrity, and service – to his family, his church,
and his community. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the land
he so deeply loved.
