Alvin W. Johnson, 93, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in Dalhart, Texas. Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Horizon Funeral Home in Dalhart, 5:00 pm -7:00 pm. Graveside services did take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm with Military Honors. Arrangements provided by Horizon Funeral Home, Dalhart, Texas 79022. His life began May 28, 1924, the third child of Robert E. and Mary Gould Johnson, of Ranger, Texas. He left this earth on February 10, 2018, after enjoying almost 94 years with family and a vast array of friends across the southwest and elsewhere. Alvin W. 'Johnnie' Johnson rose to heaven to join the love of his life, Zelda. Together they celebrated 48 years of wedded bliss, continuous adventures, and countless journeys through life before her early departure. Their union was strengthened with two sons, Gary and Sid. Upon his arrival into this world family members witnessing and assisting his birth jokingly exclaimed that Alvin was a Big Boy, a moniker used by close family throughout his life. After graduating high school in Ranger, he served in the U. S. Navy during WWII from 1942-1946 on a destroyer as a Gunner Mate First Class. After his military stint he attended and graduated Baylor University. The man NEVER met a stranger! Through his employment with Amoco Oil for 33 years, travel took him and his family many places extending their friendship everywhere. The Terlingua Chili cookoff was a favorite annual ritual for years. Hunting and fishing were high on Johnnie's 'to do often' list as well as visiting his siblings and other family in Alaska, Arizona, or wherever. Upon retirement in 1983 he and Zelda kept busy. After losing her in April 1996, Johnnie moved from Gilmer to Matagorda where the Jurek clan adopted him. Many days over many years he fished the mid-Texas coast and hunted South Texas. Perhaps his only regret in life was never successfully harvesting a spring gobbler as 'long beard fever' got him every time! He so enjoyed deer camp camaraderie, fireside storytelling, Miller High Life, and a good toddy. Johnnie will be greatly missed by many. He had a special knack for giving directions anywhere across Texas and New Mexico without ever getting on an Interstate highway. He was admonished often for always carrying a spoon in his ever-present bib overalls ' just in case he needed to taste something' if offered the chance. He had a sweet tooth! Preceded in death by his parents, beloved Zelda, sister Mary Frances, brother Robert, many close friends including Anthony ' Tony' Jurek and Wayne Miles, Johnnie leaves behind sons Gary and wife Barb, and Sid and wife Linda, 4 grandchildren, Stephanie Johnson of Craig, Co, Bradley Johnson & wife, Melody of Gilmer, TX, Ben Pigman & wife, Keylia of Amarillo, TX and Blake Fisher & wife, Stephanie of Eureka, MI as well as 12 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and special cousins Jack and Johnice Anderson. Pallbearers in Dalhart: Roger Banks, John Kennedy, Vernon Reif, Kenneth Sadau, Henry Velasquez and Marvin Wilson. Pallbearers in Ranger: Jack Anderson, Jim Carlin(Honorary), Bradley Johnson and sons Andrew and Lucas, Johnny Jurek, Ben Pigman, David Smith and Rhanual Williams. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to a veteran's organization or charity of your choice. Lovingly written by Judy Jurek Visitation Horizon Funeral Home Tuesday, February 13, 2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 701 Elm Ave. Dalhart, Texas 79022 Directions Graveside Service Evergreen Cemetery Thursday, February 15, 2018 2:00 PM 822-826 Wayland Rd. Ranger, Texas 76470 Directions