Gene Johnson

Gene Wayne Johnson, 65, of Odessa, lost his battle to cancer and went to be with the Lord and his wife on Friday, September 27, 2013, at the Hospice House.

He was born on November 24, 1947 in Port Arthur, Texas. His family moved to Odessa, TX in 1952 in pursuit of work. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1966 with a basketball scholarship to attend University of Arizona. In addition to his love of sports he enjoyed playing pool, watching old westerns John Wayne The Duke, art and writing poetry. Gene was a U S Army Veteran who served four years under the NASA National Army Security Agency in Panama during the Vietnam War. Gene married his best friend Patricia Mae Yarbro on November 21, 1978 in Longmont, CO. and they were blessed with 37 years together. He worked in security for several years, and fourteen years in Finance. His final job of fifteen years was a hot shot driver. He was a loving and loyal man who gave his ALL to his country, family, friends and his work. He was a true comedian and loved to make people laugh. It was like being in a room with Chevy Chase, Bill Cosby Steve Martin. You never really knew what to expect but were sure to experience sudden outbursts of laughter every time he was present. There was NEVER a dull moment.

Daddy you were one of a kind, one to be remembered. Oh how you will be missed and our memories treasured..your hugs, your smile, and crazy sense of humor. Thank you for teaching us to never give up or quit, no matter what life hands you and to ALWAYS stay strong so that you may get back up and continue on. You make us proud. You will live on FOREVER and now with no pain along moms side. So laugh, dance and love until we meet again.

He is preceded in death by his mother Corine Johnson and by his wife Pat who just passed on May 1, 2013.

Gene is survived by daughters and soninlaws: Jennifer and Jason Barnett of Odessa, Kim and Buzz Baker of Odessa, and Karen Taylor of Gunbarrel City. He is also survived by sons and daughterinlaws, Keith and Kelly Pyron of Odessa and Kevin and Cindy Pyron of Arlington and sister, Gloria Phillips of Kansas. Mr. Johnson was also blessed with 12 grandchildren Samantha, Josh, Colby, Billy, Aaron, Britney, Madison, Alyssa, Andrea, Ericka, and Tristan who called him PaPa.

Memorial services will be at 2:00PM Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Braswell, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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