Juan "Johnny" Francisco Lara

Juan “Johnny” Francisco Lara, age 59 of Hart, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at his home. He was the fifth child born to Lurdes (Garcia) Lara and Paul Lara on April 17, 1962 in Lubbock, Texas.

His parents and siblings loved him dearly and thought Johnny as close to perfect as they come. There was never anything that was too much for the siblings to do for Johnny. He graduated from Frenship High School with the class of 1980 and then went on to graduate from Texas Tech University. Soon after, he began his career as an educator. He spent his first few years teaching and coaching in Littlefield and Plainview Texas before accepting a position as an administrator (principal) in Tulia Texas. He worked for Tulia ISD for twenty years before retiring in 2019. After a few months of retirement, Johnny missed school life. He took a part-time position teaching Junior High and High School History for Hart ISD.

The most important thing in life to Johnny was family. He spent weekends, holidays and any free time he had, traveling and enjoying life with his family. He lived life as a bachelor for most of his life. Little did he know when he met Krista, his life was about to change. On November 18, 2017 not only did he become a devoted husband but also a loving father to Payton and Ty. Johnny never expected to be gifted with the opportunity of being a father, but he embraced it with all his heart and found great joy in being a dad and partnering with Krista in raising their sons Payton and Ty.

Johnny was passionate about education. He was a hard worker. Johnny never met a stranger, he was kind hearted and giving. He recognized the potential in those around him, especially his students. Johnny loved well and loved many. He was a good man, a caring husband and doting father.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Paul Lara Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Krista Lara; sons, Payton and Ty all of Hart, TX; brother, Augustine Lara; sisters, Beta Lara and Rosa Lara; one very special niece, Amanda Lara all of Lubbock, TX;

parents in-law, Jim and Doni Duggan and Ricky and Michelle Gregory all of Cordell, Oklahoma;

brother-in-law, Jason Gregory and wife Lisa of Cordell, Oklahoma; also numerous aunts, uncles,

cousins and in-laws who he loved dearly.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 21, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Wolfforth United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online condolences.