Preston E. Johnson

B: October 10, 1925
D: May 15, 2021

©Submitted by: Nyree Coffman
©Barnes Friederich Funeral Home

Preston E. Johnson, Midwest City, OK, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the age of 95. He was born in Pharoah, Oklahoma on October 10, 1925 to Buck and Alice (Thornton) Johnson. Preston married his true love Billie Jean Riley on Apr 19, 1946. To this union was born 3 sons and 1 daughter. They were married for 60 years when Billie passed in 2006. The family resided in Midwest City for 70 plus years where they not only raised their children but also raised a garden every year. Preston was known throughout the family and the neighborhood for his beautiful garden, he would tend the garden, pick the bountiful harvest and Billie would can and preserve all of it.

Preston served in the Army during World War II with the 63rd Infantry Division, 254th Infantry Regiment, Company B. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in France. He was injured when he stepped on a German Schu-mine during the Battle for Colmar, France and had to have his lower leg amputated. He was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor Medal which is the highest French medal awarded. The loss of his leg did not stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. Together he and Billie were on bowling leagues, he coached baseball for his sons, he water skied, snow skied, bird hunted and the family grew up going to various lakes with his brothers and sisters where he enjoyed fishing and all the shenanigans that was part of the Johnson family!

Preston retired from Tinker AFB in 1976 as a wood worker supervisor and had 45 years of retirement! After retirement, He and Billie enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada with his brothers and sisters. They also attended his Army reunions throughout the country. Preston returned to his battle site in France in 2008 and even though the memories of the ones that paid the ultimate sacrifice weighed on him, he was honored to see all the memorials throughout the Alsace region that were erected in honor of those who served or sacrificed.

Preston was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Billie, his sons Ronnie Johnson, Gary Johnson and Danny Johnson. He is survived by his daughter Linda Watson and husband Gary, daughter-in-law Jo Anne Johnson (Ronnie), 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.