Elmer Johnson

Elmer Johnson peacefully departed this earthly life as he took his last breath in the arms of his son on March 14, 2020. He was born in Monticello, TX, in the midst of the Great Depression on January 6, 1929. As a kid, while playing in the creek behind the church in Pickton, TX, he and his sister Essie walked up on a green V8 Ford, only to lay their eyes on the infamous Bonnie and Clyde; they proceeded to have a conversation with Elmer and Essie, one that Elmer could recollect and tell with vivid detail until the day he passed. Sadly, he lost both of his parents at an early age, his Mom at the age of 8, and his Dad at the age of 13. From then on, he lived with his half-brother Albert and became a sharecropper to help provide for his family. When he became older, he briefly worked for the city of Sulphur Springs. From 1950-1952, Elmer drove a milk truck for Oak Farms in Lubbock, TX. From 1953-1981, he drove a truck for Central Freight lines based in Irving, TX, and ran the Love Field route. Elmer retired from Central Freight lines in 1981 and moved to Tool, TX, in 1982. From 1982-1985, he worked at McClain’s restaurant as a dishwasher in Seven Points, TX. In 1983, he met and married his wife Jane. From 1986-1991, he worked as a freight stacker for Harvey Industries in Athens, TX. From 1992-2002, he did land care with his wife Jane in the Henderson County area.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gun Barrel City. He had a lifelong passion for gardening and an enduring affection for traveling, most of all he loved Estes Park in Colorado. Those that knew and loved him know that he was the epitome of a good man, with a humble heart and unshaken faith and love in God.

He is preceded in death by his parents Newton and Silvana Johnson; wife Ella Jane Johnson; children Jimmy Clyde Hanna and Thomas Joseph Hanna; sisters Christine Odom and Essie Davis. Left to cherish his memory are his children Gene Johnson and his wife Beverly, Davey Lynn Hanna and his wife Norma, Larry Lee Hanna, Kelly Glenn Hanna, Christine Marie Hanna, Tammy Janette Herrmann and her husband Matt, Brian Neal Hanna; 22 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; his first wife LaVera Johnson; and numerous other family members and many friends.