Ralph Verner Johnson

Ralph Verner Johnson, age 84, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2023. Ralph was born on December 16, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to his parents Verner Gustaph and Eleanor “Peggy” (O’Neill) Johnson. He moved with his parents to Cactus, Texas where he graduated from Dumas High School in 1957.

He attended Kansas State University to play baseball and completed his college degree in Chemical Engineering. Ralph met his future wife, Nancy Fuller, at K-State, they married in 1961. Upon graduation, his career started with the Monsanto Company in Monroe, LA. After a few job transfers to St. Louis, MO, and Luling, LA, he moved back to Texas. In Houston, he had a distinguished career with Dixie Chemical Company, until his retirement in 2002.

Ralph had many interests including baseball, golf, horse racing, reading, gardening, and traveling. He also enjoyed playing cards, from bridge to poker. Ralph spent time volunteering at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, the Houston Rodeo and the Houston Open. He and Nancy were married for 59 years. As proud parents to their 3 children and loving grandparents to their 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, they enjoyed attending all their activities. The family extends their sincerest appreciation to his caregivers and the staff at Avanti Towne Lake. Deepest gratitude goes to his private caregiver Violet, whose compassion and care for Ralph made each day better.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verner Gustaph and Eleanor O’Neill Johnson, and his wife, Nancy Fuller Johnson. Ralph is survived by his son, Marshall “Mark” Johnson, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Johnson; daughter Luci Davis; daughter Lara Cheves, son-in-law Rusty Cheves; grandchildren Ryan (wife Emily), Kyle and Travis Johnson, Bradley “Boomer” and Luke Davis, Haley, Marshall, Carter and Ellie Cheves; great grandchildren Amelia and David Johnson.

Family and friends will gather to share memories of Ralph's life starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in the R.L. Waltrip room of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, 77055. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. and a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph’s family is requesting memorial contributions be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association at http://www.Diabetes.org/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.waltripfuneraldirectors.com for the Johnson family.