Dr. Marvin Merrill Johnson Obit

Dr. Marvin Merrill Johnson, the inventive mind behind many Phillips Technologies, has died at 88. He's gone to receive further enlightenment from the ultimate inventor and to take his place among the consummate seekers of truth. He is home now with scientists who have gone before, and they're teaching him the mysteries of the universe he couldn't learn in this life. He has transferred from one state of matter to another and is undoubtedly fascinated by the particular mechanics of this spiritual transfer.
As a boy, Marvin was described as "a little different"; a boy who always asked, "Why?"; and as a man in a hurry to be useful. He had little patience for pithy platitudes and trite axioms of ancillary importance. He was equally comfortable among Fortune 500 CEOs and science fair participants, but happiest in his garden and in the company of his grandchildren and dogs.
Marvin delighted in Scandinavian simplicity and was proud to be a Danish and Swedish Johnson. He had little need for things or possessions beyond 501 Levis, comfortable penny loafers, white tube socks, and a button-down shirt with a mechanical pencil in the front pocket.
He lived an extraordinary life as an intelligent, admired, and humble man. What follows are selected quotes from friends, received by the family in the past twenty-four hours:
"He had a bright mind combined with kind eyes and warm smile."
"He taught and inspired by his great example."
"One day I'll tell him the reach of his words was immense."
"Benevolent genius."
"He was a fierce champion and encourager of learners."
"Most people will remember Super Marvin (SM) as a brilliant scientist with many great accomplishments/recognitions that advanced Phillips' reputation as a technology leader, and for very valuable patents that made lots of money for Phillips … But only those who knew him personally understand that his capacity to understand and communicate effectively with all walks of life was equally impressive. To learn what he did to positively help people throughout his life without expecting return is humbling. All of who knew SM are better people for having associations with this truly Christian man. It was a privilege and honor to have known and associated with Marvin Johnson."
"He was an innovative, clearly highly gifted man who was recognized at the very highest level for his outstanding contribution to, frankly, making the world a less polluting place than it would have otherwise been whilst improving the efficiency of the refining of crude oil. Gosh! A game changer!"

Born March 21, 1928 to John Ivan and Hildur Elizabeth Johnson in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was the sixth of seven children (four boys and three girls). He graduated with dual degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Utah, 1945–1950, and was a member of both Owl & Key and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies. He was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
He married his sweetheart, Marilyn White, on May 8th, 1951 in the Salt Lake City Temple. In 1956, he completed his PhD at the University of Utah in Chemical Engineering. He accepted employment with Phillips Petroleum Company and moved his family to Bartlesville, OK where he remained employed until 2002. He was a prolific inventor and earned over 280 patents, primarily in the refining area, during his distinguished career.
He received numerous awards and honors, including the following: emeritus status at Phillips 66, the National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan in 1985, Industrial Research Institute Achievement Award, P66 Shield Award, American Chemical Society Recognition, and was a member of the National Academy of Engineers and the Society of Professional Engineers. He was the first person to achieve the status of Research Fellow at Phillips Petroleum.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served reluctantly but effectively in many roles, including in the children's nursery (his favorite), as the Scoutmaster for Troop 101, and as a High Priest. His true calling, however, was serving those in need. He spent extensive hours helping fix homes, cars, and the lives of those he encountered. Marvin made the world better with his knowledge, and he was always eager to share of his wealth of information.
He loved his dogs, his family, gardening, and baseball (not necessarily in that order). He spent many years teaching his kids and grandkids (as well as many others) baseball, swimming, fishing, camping, auto-mechanics, and scouting. He was called "Uncle Marvin" by many, and Papa by those closest to him.
He stressed the importance of education to his children, grandchildren, and all young people of his acquaintance. He mentored many during his lifetime, including legions of coworkers at R&D. He loved the Bartlesville High School Science Fair and helped many students throughout the city. He opened their minds to the wonders of science, and loved doing it so much that he insisted on attending the recent 2017 fair, despite his health challenges, to support the upcoming generations of the future.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, of Bartlesville, OK, and four children-son Mark (Barbara) Johnson of Portland, OR; daughter Jennifer (Ross) Hanseen, of Salt Lake City, UT; daughter Lori (Jeff) Ahlert of Bartlesville, OK; and daughter Marianne (Mark) Egan of Houston, TX. He is also survived by sister Joyce Taylor and brother Frank Johnson, both of Salt Lake City, UT. He is survived by twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and three dogs.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and his four siblings: Genevieve Knudsen Gowan, LaVerne Briggs, Clifton Ivan Johnson, and Glendon Elwood Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has created the Marvin M. Johnson Engineering Memorial Scholarship to honor his memory, through the Tri County Technology Foundation. Online donations will be accepted by visiting www.tctcgiving.org or by contacting Lisa Geresi at 918-331-3275. Donations may also be made to the Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS Church.

Funeral Services will be held at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 1501 Swan Dr. in Bartlesville, OK, on Wednesday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. The viewing will be Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home, 710 S Dewey Ave, Bartlesville, OK. Interment will be in the Memorial Park cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home
710 Southeast Dewey
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-336-5225

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This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2024 Oklahoma Cemeteries