Melvin Jack Johnson

Melvin Jack Johnson, 85, of Tishomingo, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. Melvin was born on October 2, 1936 in Denison, Texas to Arthur Leon and Nora Mae (Kelly) Johnson. Growing up he attended Nida and Milburn Public Schools. He married the love of his life, Jimmie Ruth “Ann” Ballard on June 16, 1956 in Durant, Oklahoma. Melvin served in the Company H 180th Infantry National Guard from 1953 – 1955. He spent the majority of his working career at the Farmers Branch Fire Department serving from May 15, 1962 – May 31, 1995. In 1963 he was promoted to driver. He went on to be promoted from driver to Lieutenant in 1965 and from Lt. to Captain in 1968. In 1970 he became Dep. Chief and later became Dist. Commander. Melvin retired with the title of Battalion Commander (Chief). At a city council meeting, Mayor Dave Blair of Farmers Branch said, “With 32 years of service, Melvin is No.1 on the city’s active seniority list and his experience has made him a respective authority on fire department operations. His calm, commonsense approach has given successful leadership during hundreds of emergencies during his career.” He was a board member and actively served his church family at the First United Methodist Church in Tishomingo. Melvin enjoyed gardening, target shooting, hunting, fishing and camping; if it involved being outside you know he would probably enjoy it. A servant’s heart, extremely dedicated, loyal man who loved his family dearly and was an exceptional husband, father and Poppie. Melvin is preceded in death by wife, Jimmie Ruth “Ann” Johnson (November 12, 2014); daughter, Debbie Johnson (March 31, 1958); parents, Arthur Johnson (October 12, 2005) and Nora (Kelly) Johnson (April 25, 1993). Those he leaves to cherish his memories are his children, Kelly Johnson of Burleson, TX, Kristi Forbes of Tishomingo, OK, Dr. Scott Johnson and wife Dr. Ann Johnson of Edmond, OK, Joe Johnson and wife Natalie Johnson of Durant, OK; grandchildren, Lindsey Cram of Tishomingo OK, Travis Johnson of Sherman, TX, Elena Sims and husband Dustin Sims of Burleson, TX, Anna Johnson of Crowley, TX, Alexander “Alex” Johnson of Durant OK, Riley Johnson of Durant, OK; great-grandchildren, Kendyl Cram, Barret Johnson, Bryson Johnson; siblings, Arthur “Leeray” Johnson, Wanda Woolly Hutson, Genette Wheeler, Betty DaVault, Andrew “Andy” Johnson, Carolyn McCutcheon; pets, Dillon and Sam; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Ron King to officiate. Interment to follow at Condon Grove Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers will be Travis Johnson, Alexander “Alex” Johnson, Dustin Sims, William “Billy” Light, David McCutcheon and Terry Ballard. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ann Johnson, Andrew “Andy” Johnson, Arthur “Leeray” Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Jimmy DaVault, Steve Woolly, Nelson Woolly, Max Woolly, Brice Woolly, Bradley Sinor, Rocky Henson, Scott Daniels, Pal Ballard Jr., Mick Hamilton and Jackie Hamilton. A visitation will be on Monday, October 3, 2022 at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. “Ramblings of an Old Man” by Melvin Johnson (to the tune of The Wayfaring Stranger) “It won’t be long ‘till I’ll be leaving – it won’t be long ‘till I’m gone. And if you ever want to see me, you know the way that I have gone. I’m going there to see my Annie, she said she’d meet me when I got home. I’m just going over Jordan, I’m just going on home. My sweet Annie has gone before me, to light the way to that great bright land – I’ll call her name and she will answer, we’ll walk hand-in-hand through Heaven’s Door. I’m going there to see my Savior, I’m going to see my love. I’m going home to see my sweet Annie in that mansion up above.”

Tributes

Melvin Jack Johnson

October 2, 1936 - September 28, 2022