Dennis F. Johnson

Dennis F Johnson, 71, passed with family by his side, Wednesday, April, 11, 2018. Born on August 9, 1946 to parents Gustave Pontus, Jr. and Merle Jeanette Larrabee Johnson in Waukegan, IL. Dennis graduated from Enterprise High School, Redding, CA and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, BS Degree. Dennis retired from the USAF, having proudly served his country in the following trades and locations: Security Police/Okinawa and Bergstrom AFB, Aircraft Mechanic- Weather Squadron/McClellan AFB, Traffic Controller/ Clark AB, PI and KI Sawyer AFB, Flight Engineer/Norton AFB. Dennis traveled the world, meeting the extreme of political to everyday individuals. Upon retirement from California Steel, Fontana, CA, Dennis moved to Texas with his wife to be close to their daughters and grandchildren. This made it possible for Dennis to pursue a long desired wish, teaching; Substitute Teacher at Rosebud Lott ISD. Those students held a special place in his heart. It was because of this bond between Dennis and the students, he was asked to coach a young men’s soccer team in a Spanish League, Spanish being the language spoken. Dennis accepted the challenge, the team didn’t win many games but the experience provided awesome memories. Family gatherings, summer vacations in Wisconsin with cousins, quality time with his father-in-law, attending school and sport activities with grandchildren, golfing, his I-Pad, taking care of the yard and piddling in woodwork. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. Dennis was a stem cell transplant recipient of 3 ½ years, Cancer free and 100% Donor, special friend in Dr. Brian Berryman, Texas Oncology, Dallas, Texas and the awesome medical staff and Dr. Scott Crockett of Falls Community Clinic, Marlin, Texas and the employees of FCHC. Dennis and Wynnetta celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary March 2, 2018. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Gustave Pontus, Jr. and Merle Jeanette Larrabee Johnson; and brother, Bradley Ralph Johnson. He is survived by wife, Wynnetta; daughters, Mary McWilliams and husband, Jerry of Belton, Texas, Deana Wilson and husband, Thomas Hansen of Oakleaf, Texas, Heather Hill and husband, Jason of Venus, Texas; grandchildren, Tommy and Nicole McWilliams, Patrick and Meagan McWilliams, Tera McWilliams, Clayton Wilson, Collin Hill, Connor Hill, Brooke Hill, Michael and Melissa Hansen; greatgrandchildren, Benjamin Hansen, Barrett McWilliams and Alexandra McWilliams; Sister, Karen Morphew and husband, Jim; in-laws, Frances Lohman, Freddie Giddens and Bill Giddens; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special recognition to the “adopted” friends of his daughters who called him “Dad” and students at Rosebud Lott ISD, members of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church; neighbors and the caring personnel and volunteers at Providence Hospice Place. Burial will be on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 SH 195, Killeen, Texas, 76542. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Cook- Gerngross-Green-Patterson Funeral Home, 111 South 2nd Street, Rosebud, Texas, 76570. Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. Wear red, white and blue in honor of all Veterans. Memorials may be sent to Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 583 CR 326, Rosebud, Texas, 76570, Providence Hospice Place, 6700 Sanger Avenue, Waco, TX 76710, or the charity of your choice.