Gary Allen Johnson

Obituary GARY A. JOHNSON (BRAVE WARRIOR) October 8, 1944 December 8, 2018 Gary A. Johnson, 74, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 8th, 2018. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Carlsbad by Kevin Pence, the Associate Pastor of Music. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gary was born on October 8th, 1944, in Warren, OH. He and his 3 brothers and 1 sister spent their school days in Champion, OH. He then dedicated 35 years to working for Packard Electric. During this time, he married his first wife, Eleanor Rogers, and they were married until 1988. They had 3 children, Chris, Greg and Michelle. His job then brought him to El Paso, TX, where he met Elvira Marrufo. They were married in 1990, and then had a daughter, Elizabeth. He retired in 1998 and spent a lot of his free time volunteering at art museums and antique stores. He was a foster parent to several children over the years, and homeschooled Elizabeth for 8 years. After he, Elvira, and Elizabeth moved to Carlsbad, NM, he became heavily involved in the programs at FBC, including Wednesday night meals for the youth, Youth Prayer Breakfast, Mens Prayer Breakfast, VBS and White Christmas. He also volunteered at the Carlsbad Outreach Center until his health would not allow him anymore. He had a heart for helping young people and those in need. He enjoyed family trips, camping, and entertaining family and friends. He was the kind of person that would say whatever was on his mind, occasionally upsetting people with his boldness, but those that knew him knew his intentions were always good even if his words were a little bit harsh. He was known for his ability to find humor in every situation. His motto was Always leave them laughing. He was preceded by his parents, Elbert La Rue and Madonna Johnson; sister, Linda Berkhouse; and first wife, Eleanor Rogers. He is survived by his wife, Elvira Johnson; brothers, Jeff Johnson, Steve Johnson, and Roger Johnson; children, Chris Johnson, Greg Johnson, Michelle Rybak, and Elizabeth Johnson; grandchildren, Matthew Zamudio, Amy Hartz, Kristin Leach, Heather Wach, Holly Mazzola, Amanda Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Kimberlyn Rybak, and Ian Rybak; and 10 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Gary requested that donations be made to Carlsbad Outreach Center through the Pecos Valley Baptist Association website. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Allen Johnson, please visit our floral store.