Daniel M. Johnson

Daniel M. Johnson, aged 72, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully with his wife and both daughters by his side in the early hours of October 13, 2024, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Born on October 31, 1951, in Marshall, Texas, Dan was a lifelong Texan who dedicated many years of service to both the Army and National Guard as an automotive technician. He graduated from Hirschi High School in 1969 and joined the Army in 1971. After leaving the Army, he worked for Harold Corbett as a mechanic at Corbett Motor Company. He then joined the National Guard in 1986 and retired as a Master Sergeant. Dan’s life was one of service and generosity, not only in his professional career but also in his contributions to civil service and to many organizations where his impact was felt by many.

He met his beloved wife, Laonnie, in 1974 and they married on May 23, 1975 in Wichita Falls. They built a beautiful life together and had two daughters, Misty and Natalie. He loved his family fiercely. Dan loved animals his whole life; he even fed the raccoons and opossums. He and his family had countless cats and dogs over the years with his most recent companions–his dog Minnie, and his three cats: Mr. Kitty, Georgie girl, and Oscar.

Dan was passionate about the game of golf, a sport he enjoyed throughout his life. In high school, his team won the District 4-AAA Golf Championship and he took the individual championship for the district, having shot a 78. Later in life, he loved playing in golf tournaments with the Texoma Senior Mens’ Golf Tour for several years.

He was an avid coin collector, having put together a collection for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a man of the land; he enjoyed keeping a perfectly mowed lawn and had a garden bounty that was grown to give away. With hands of a craftsman, he could build or fix just about anything. He was always busy piddling around the house. Dan loved trains since he was a kid even having model trains most of his life. He often had a train around and even in the middle of the Christmas tree. Dan truly enjoyed Christmas, making it special for his wife and girls. The Christmas spirit was alive in Dan’s heart and he shared it with everyone around him. Christmas was Dan’s favorite time of year and he loved making it magical for his wife and girls. Dan spent his downtime watching golf, Hallmark movies, baseball, especially the Little League World Series in the summer, as well as Wheel of Fortune, and the news.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nell Adams Johnson, and his brother Don Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Laonnie Johnson, his two daughters, Misty Lavy of Wichita Falls, TX, and Dr. Natalie Johnson of Dalton, GA, and his sister Sarah Johnson of Sachse, TX. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Samantha Lavy of Wichita Falls, TX, Hayden Lavy of Fort Worth, TX, and Petty Officer Second Class U.S. Navy Tristen Lavy of Fort Worth, TX. Additionally, he is survived by 8 great grandchildren, Jonathan, Easton, Hudson, Atlas, Atticus, twin girls Juniper and Paisley, and Ivy.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, Texas, with graveside services to follow.

The family suggests that contributions in Dan's memory be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, The Wounded Warrior Project, and/or the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center (https://nwgafcc.com/), supporting organizations close to his heart.