Earl E. Johnson Obituary (1929 - 2010)

Earl E. Johnson, age 80, passed away April 5, 2010 in Sun City, Arizona. Earl was born November 24,1929 in Heglar, Idaho to Barnett Johnson and Marie Goudschaal Johnson. He was raised there working on the family ranch. He attended local schools and later served in the U.S. Army from 1950 - 1952. Following his military service he came to Wickenburg and began working as a bartender. He worked several years at La Cabaa and also at the Elk's Lodge. In 1977 he established the Rancher Bar which he operated until 1987. He later owned and operated the Ranch-R Bar in St. Johns, Arizona. He a was member of the American Legion Post# 12 and a charter and life member of the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. # 2160. Earl worked with horses all his life and was well known for his ability to break mules. Many locals had their first "legal-aged" drink served by Earl. He loved the outdoors and often took people on jeep rides in the desert surrounding Wickenburg. Earl was also an avid hunter. He was a family man and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents Marie & Barnett Johnson and Sisters, Gladys Moss, Faye Nelson and Anna Black and Brothers, Ray Johnson and Orville "Bud" Johnson. Earl is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Pamela Jean Johnson of Wickenburg, Daughters, Judy K. Fagelman and Ginger Marie Johnson both of Prescott Valley, Cindy Geer (John) of Stockton, CA, Son Neal "Juan" Johnson (Lisa) of Mesa and Daughter in Law, Laura Desarmeaux of Wickenburg, Brother Charles "Chuck" Johnson (Claudine) of Burley, Idaho, Sisters, Irma Gochnour (Butch) of Boise, ID and Eva Marie Johnson of Glendale, AZ, Grandchildren: Christopher David (Serene), Jayson & Jordan Fagelman, Ryan Johnson & Granddaughter in Law,Beth David. Great-grandchildren: Gunnar, Hagen, Carlee, & Shaena and numerous Nieces and Nephews. A Celebration of Earl's Life will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 180 N. Adams St. Wickenburg. The family suggests memorial's in Earl's name be made to the Elk's Lodge at 122 Frontier St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390.