Fred B. Johnson

Technical Sergeant Frederick B. Johnson, United States Air Force Retired, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2006 at the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa at the age of sixty-nine years, eight months and twenty-seven days.

Fred was born August 16, 1936 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Otto Alfred and Bonnie K. Johnson. He was raised and attended school in Tulsa, graduating from Central High School in 1954. Shortly after completion of his education, Fred enlisted into the service of his country in the United States Air Force on July 12, 1954. During his service, Fred served in twenty-one countries receiving the following decorations, commendations and medals: Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three Oakleaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oakleaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Serice Award with four Oakleaf clusters. TSGT Johnson's primary specialty was as a Munitions Maintenace Supervisor and also worked as an aviation mechanic. He retired from active military service on July 31, 1974 and returned to Tulsa.

Upon his return to Oklahoma, Fred accepted employment as a jet mechanic with American Airlines for several years and then later opened a courier service in Tulsa where he worked as a driver.

Fred was married to Sherrie Sizemore on Novmeber 7, 2002 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The couple then established their home near Jennings, Oklahoma in Pawnee County. Fred often remarked on how much he enjoyed living in the country after living in the city all of his life. Fred often tinkered on appliances, motors, lamps or anything in need of repair; and usually fixed them. He enjoyed repairing items for his family, friends and church family. He was a member of the Wayside Chapel in Terlton, Oklahoma.

After their marriage, Fred and Sherrie enjoyed traveling, especially to area where they could visit with family. They traveled to Branson, Las Vegas, Texas, Ohio and many other places. He enjoyed all kinds of music but was especially fond of peruvian flute or zampoÃ’a (panflute) music.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sherrie Johnson of the home; four children, Michael Church of Loves Park, Illinois, Yvonne Crawford and Angela Johnson, both of Sanford, Florida and Natalie Johnson, Bixby, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, twelve grandchildren and three great granchildren that became his family when he married Sherrie; three brothers, David and his wife, Colette Johnson, Round Rock, Texas, Bob and his wife, Cheryl Johnson, Lemmon, South Dakota, Jon and his wife, Mary Johnson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; numerous neices and nephews, and a host of other relative and friends. He was preceded in death by both parents; and an infant brother, Otto Alfred Johnson, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 16, 2006 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Willis Morgan officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Fred Johnson at www.chapman-balck.com.