George Bill “Kiowa” Johnson Sr., of Ada, OK, passed away at home on Sunday, May 15, 2022 surrounded by family. He was born on July 19, 1938 in Lawton, OK to Nettie Leader and Willie Johnson.
He was a graduate of Chilocco Indian School, Class of 1959. He is retired military where he served in the Oklahoma National Guard Unit 1120-Maintenance for more than 29 years and retired as a E6 Staff Sgt. He also worked for the Chickasaw Nation OEH, where he was a long time employee for over 29 years.
He met his wife of 63 years, Yvonne Johnson, at Disneyland in 1959. They were married in Los Angeles, CA on December 3, 1959. They had four children and was also foster parents to two children.
He was a Head Deacon at Spring Baptist Church in Sasakwa, OK. He was a respected leader and was trusted by every member of the church.
He is a Chickasaw Tribal Member. He loved fishing, camping, driving around the countryside, golfing, men’s fast pitch softball, men’s basketball and told many stories about growing up and scary stories. He also coached women’s fast pitch softball team and little league baseball. He also got awards for show tractors, especially his rebuilt Allis-Chalmers.
His grandchildren were an important part of his life. He was always involved in school activities with them. He would always love to take the grandchildren camping and fishing and showing the ways of country living. He loved all his grandchildren and always enjoyed having them all around him.
He is survived by a devoted wife, Yvonne Johnson of the home, two daughters; Melinda Sue Johnson and friend Arturo Tapia of Ada, Kevin and Georgette Johnson-Juan of Chuichu, AZ, two sons; George Bill Johnson Jr. of Ada, Ok and Norman Ray Johnson of Ada, OK.
Five grandchildren; Rachel, Christian, Trevor, Tia and Derrick. 6 great-grandchildren; Teata, Stormy and Madden, Grayson and Jace, and Blake. He also has many nieces and nephews that he was close to and enjoyed their company.
He was preceded in death by four sisters; Betty, Patsy, Doris and Pearl and one brother, Alonzo and parents, Nettie and Willie Johnson. He is also in heaven with three great-grandchildren, who is already spoiled, dressed up in overhauls and ready to go fishing.
Funeral will be Friday, May 20 at Spring Baptist Church. Pastors Kellis Walker and Frank Moppin will be presiding over the service. Viewing will be from 9-11 and the services will start at 11 at Spring Baptist Church in Sasakwa,OK. Feeding will follow after services at the church then will proceed to Steedman Cemetery at Kullihoma, OK.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Juan, Danny Franks, Derrick Hubbard, Clint Harjochee, Jeffery Harjochee and Arturo Tapia.
Honorary pallbearers Delwayne Johnson, David Poe, Christian Watson, Trevor Watson, George Bill Johnson Jr. and the Oklahoma National Guard Unit 1120-Maintenance Company.
Spring Baptist Church, 36263 State Highway 56, Sasakwa, Ok 74867
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
