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Earl Gene Johnson – Oklahoman, Veteran, Oil Man, and Family Man – flew to heaven August 26, 2020 from his home in Cement, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Born October 12, 1951, in Vinita, Oklahoma to Bobby Gene and Corine Bernice Johnson, Earl was the second oldest of four, and loved to give his three sisters a run for their money, always keeping them and their mother on their toes.
Upon graduation from Jones High School in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) during Vietnam and gained a love for aviation serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. In 1972, Earl was honorably discharged and began a career as a Wireline Operator in the Oil Industry with Otis Engineering in Woodward, Oklahoma before transferring to Rock Springs, Wyoming and later merging with Halliburton. It was in Wyoming that he would meet the love of his life and future wife, Antje, along with her two children Stefan and Tamie. After more than 20 years of courtship and fooling about, they finally got their act together and tied the knot on May 24, 1997, retired a short time later, and moved to Cement, Oklahoma to be closer to family.
One never had to wonder how Earl felt or what he was thinking. He will be remembered for his teasing jokes, devilish grin, hearty laugh, and soulful wit. He was happiest with family, tinkering at home and work, riding motorcycles and four-wheelers, or eating Pecan pie a la mode. Since the 70’s, he was an avid RC flyer and member of the Casper Wyoming Airmodelers Association, as well as gun enthusiast and member of the National Rifle Association. Earl loved to build and fly airplanes, as well as teaching and spending time with his granddaughter Kia, ensuring she was just as ornery as him.
He was preceded by his father Bob Johnson; niece Sherri Stevens; and nephew Wyatt Dunn.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years Antje; mother Corine Johnson of Oklahoma City; sister Janet Cartmill of Harrah, Oklahoma; sister Marla (Larry) Starnes of Early, Texas; sister Vicki (Eric) Ernsting of Piedmont, Oklahoma; daughter Tamie Knudson of Lawton, Oklahoma; son Stephan Knudson of Elko, Nevada; granddaughter Kia (Andrew) McCollum of Lawton, Oklahoma; grandson Alex Knudson of Elko, Nevada; great-granddaughter Aria McCollum; and great-grandson Keaton Knudson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, family members, and special friends, to include his favorite cousin Willard Johnson and his best friend Mark Pfrimmer.
The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers, Dr. Aman Garsa and the staff of the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Cancer Center and Hospice, as well as the Tinker AFB and Stephens County Honor Guards.
A private celebration of life was held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at his home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to a charity of your choice in memory of Earl Gene Johnson.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.
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