Dr. John William Johnson

February 18, 1932-November 20, 2024

He went by many names: Son, Husband, Dad, Papaw, Uncle John, Doc, and Dr.

John. Probably known by most as Dr. John. This is not surprising, as he touched

many lives over his years of faithful service in the medical profession, and continued

practicing for 50+ years. In fact, Dr. John was still licensed to his final day and likely

walked through the pearly gates with his medical bag in hand and stethoscope

around his neck. This is an image that is ingrained in our memories of our father

over the years.

Dr. John was an Oklahoman first before becoming a Texan. He was born in

Oklahoma City on February 18, 1932 and spent his early years living in various

places around the state of Oklahoma along with his parents Orville and Lucille

Johnson and beautiful sister Virginia “Ginger” Johnson Kanaly. He was a proud

Boomer Sooner, graduating from University of Oklahoma where he met his lifelong

love, Patricia Rich Johnson, whom he was wed to for over 60 years. Dr. John and

Patty were married on June 29, 1957 immediately following college graduation then

moved to Kansas City for Dr. John to attend medical school.

Upon graduation from medical school they moved to the Houston area to set up

roots. At that point, Dr. John and Patty became die hard “Texans”. Dr. John

established his medical practice from the ground up and provided one on one

individual medical care to all his patients at his family practice. He was known to

even accept a unique payment if someone fell on “hard times”, including eggs. He

loved his profession and truly believed God is the “Great Physician”. Dr. John felt it

was his calling and showed compassion beyond measure over the years of practice.

While in Houston, Dr. John and Patty welcomed three daughters, Heather, Holly, and

Harmony. Dr. John displayed a wonderful balance of “physician, husband and

father”. Even though he was very busy with his medical practice, somehow he was

present at all his daughters’ sporting events and extra-curricular activities. He and

Patty went on many global adventures as a couple and as a family. Dr. John and his

family were charter members of their beloved church, John Wesley Methodist, in

which he faithfully served for many years. In his small amount of “spare time” you

could always find him hitting the greens at Champions Golf Club or devotedly caring

for his mom and mother-in-law, who lived close-by.

Many people stop and “settle down” in their retirement years. Dr. John did the

opposite and upon selling his practice continued working as a contract physician for

many years. He was blessed with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren

over the years, whom he loved fiercely, and considered gifts from God. Dr. John and

Patty continued their love of travel and moved to the little fishing town of Rockport,

Texas. He enjoyed life to the fullest in Rockport and treasured the beautiful view of

the water. His years in Rockport were some of his most memorable. He enjoyed his

precious time spent with Patty, served at their Rockport church home (First

Methodist of Rockport), played many rounds of golf, and cherished having his sweet

dog Rocky as a loyal companion, as well as many special times with family and

friends.

After many years in Rockport, Dr. John and Patty John moved to Katy, Texas to be

closer to family. Even though this decision was bitter sweet, it proved to be a “God

directed” one. The time in Katy created even more lasting friendships and

immeasurable time spent loving on his beloved grandchildren. He maintained his

zest for life with innumerable events at their residence, Atria of Cinco Ranch. They

also continued their membership and faithful service in the Methodist church at

Grace Fellowship. He was also involved in an “Iron Man” bible study at Second

Baptist church with his son-in-law Kelly Keahey. Dr. John never “met a stranger” and

became a “mascot” of local running clubs and was a friend to many police officers in

Katy.

Dr. John finally grew tired and the call to be home with his loving Father was too

strong. He made the wonderful journey on November 20, 2024. Dr. John was

greeted in heaven by many loved ones including his beloved wife Patty, his

wonderful parents Orville and Lucille Johnson, his sister and brother-in-law Ginger

and Deane Kanaly, his nephew Steve Kanaly, his mother-in-law Margaret Rich, his

life long nurse colleagues Pat Staley and Violet Smith, his dear friend Bob Milam, as

well as many other loved ones and people he touched over the years. He is missed

by many including his daughter Heather Keahey and her husband Kelly of Katy, his

daughter Holly Labay and her husband Andrew of Altair, and his daughter Harmony

Keel and her husband Ben of Sealy. His beloved grandchildren and great grand

children include: Lindsay and Alex Rogers (baby boy Rogers due in January 2025),

Kimberly and Matt Coyle (Abigail and baby boy Coyle due in December 2024),

Zachariah and Courtney Labay (Colt and Wesson), Mindy Keahey and Michael Lam,

Lauren and Stewart Thielemann, Roxanne Keel, William Keel, John William Austin

Keel, Kennan Keel, and Josiah Keel. His survivors are sad to be without him on

earth, but are ultimately celebrating his journey to be with Jesus. You have done

well, faithful servant. It is time to hang up your stethoscope and celebrate your

amazing legacy you have bestowed