Chester E. Johnson Obituary (1928

Chester E Johnson, of Texhoma, Texas, 83, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Coldwater Manor, Stratford, Texas. Chester was born in Fletcher, Oklahoma to Daniel and Frances (Wimberly) Johnson on February 2, 1928. The family moved to Montague County, Texas in the fall of 1929. Chester graduated from Bowie High School and was a graduate of Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Chester and Emelia Siegman were united in marriage on May 1, 1955. Emelia preceded him in death in 2000. He joined the United States Air Force in June of 1946, retiring August 1, 1973. He was a Vietnam Veteran. While in the military, he served as bi-vocational pastor to churches in Texas, New York, Wyoming and Nebraska. After his retirement from the Air Force, he was ordained to the gospel ministry December 18, 1974 and served as a full time minister until his retirement in 1991. Chester loved the Lord and was a dedicated servant wherever he went. He was responsible for organizing the J.O.Y. Club for senior adults, at the First Baptist Church of Texhoma and later Panhandle Seniors for Christ for the Panhandle Baptist Association. He married Mary Lou Kenney October 27, 2001 and moved to Texhoma, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Emelia Johnson; daughter, Rebecca Sarrach; three brothers and six sisters. Survivors include his wife, May Lou of the home, three children, Stephen Paul Johnson, Brunswick, GA; Thomas Brian Johnson, Cheyenne, WY; and Rachel Pence and husband John of Manhattan, KS; son-in-law James Sarrach of Burleson, TX; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was also survived by three stepsons, Stephen W. Norris and wife Meradith of Hitchcock, OK; Daniel V. Norris and wife Teresa of Guymon; Joe Norris of Houston, TX; and nine step-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Thursday afternoon, May 19th, 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church, Texhoma with Pastor Tommy Hull officiating and Rev. David Moore, assisting. Military graveside rites will be Friday afternoon, May 20th, 2:00 P.M. at the Sunset Cemetery, Bowie Texas. Services are under the care of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, Guymon, Oklahoma. Memorials may be given to the Mission Fund, First Baptist Church in Texhoma, OK. Memorials will be accepted at Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942.