Ronald Wayne Johnson Sr., of Bartlesville, died Wednesday in his beloved hometown. The proud American veteran was 84 when he got his eternal wings. Hooah!
Ron was born the son of Thomas Franklin and Ola Mae (Rollins) Johnson on October 8, 1937, in Bartlesville, OK. He was raised in Bartlesville, graduating high school in 1955. In 1960 Ron married the mother of his children, Waltraud Johnson. Ron loved Bartlesville and in later years enjoyed reminiscing about the way things used to be and what business was in that location when he was young. It was one of his first loves.
When the U.S. Army called, Ron answered - serving 30 plus years in Vietnam, Germany, Korea and stateside, going wherever his country needed him. His work mostly centered around helicopter mechanics, but he also was active in many special teams and projects, such as a unit ordinance explosives team and hoisting heavy aircraft safely for transport and delivery. During his distinguished service Ron received many letters of commendation, air medal awards are 15 Oak Leaf Clusters as well as an Army Aircraft Crewman Senior Badge. He retired as an E7 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (or for non-military folks, as Sergeant First Class) in 1982. Ron made his home in Virginia where his three boys settled. Eventually Ron felt the strong call or need to return home to Bartlesville. Once home he met Sharon Mullen and they quickly realized they were each other's half. Ron and Sharon enjoyed the past 20 years together before her passing.
Ron was what you might call a super fan of the Washington Redskins and Univ. of Oklahoma (OU) sports. When his favorite games or shows were on, he was singularly focused and wasn't to be disturbed.
Ron is survived by his three sons, Robert (Gwen) Johnson, Ronald W. Johnson Jr. and Thomas Johnson and grandson Zachary. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Waltraud Johnson and longtime girlfriend Sharon Mullen.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12-5 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville.
Services will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel. Interment will follow in the White Rose Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded graveside.
Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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