Jack Afton Johnson

Jack Afton Johnson, 94, longtime Cleveland resident passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the OSU Medical Center. Jack was born on August 17, 1914 in Zack, Arkansas. He was the son of Robert Rodell and Dora (Lay) Johnson. As a young boy Jack was raised and received his education in Zack and Marshall, Arkansas. He later moved to Cleveland and began residing with his brother Sam and started his junior year in Cleveland and later graduated with the Class of 1933. After the completion of his high school Jack began working on the railroad as a bridge repairman. While traveling with his job, Jack met the love of his life in Georgetown, Arkansas and on December 9, 1934 he was united in marriage to Iva Lorene (Cross) in Georgetown, Arkansas. The couple established their initial home in Marshall, Arkansas and then later moved to Zack. In 1947, Jack and Lorene moved to Osage, Oklahoma and began farming. Jack continued farming for over 20 years until the property he farmed was purchased for flood control and the establishment of Keystone Lake. At that time Jack and Lorene moved to Cleveland. Jack then accepted employment with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 430. Jack worked in Ponca City in the capacity as a supervisor for many years as well as traveled throughout the United States on different jobs. In 1978, Jack retired fully from the Local 430. Mr. Johnson was a man that had a great wit and personality. He was a member of the Hebron Masonic Lodge in Cleveland. At the Campbell Masonic Lodge 15 in Campbell, Arkansas Jack was initiated and entered apprentice in January 12, 1946. On February 9, 1946 he received Fellow Craft and was raised to Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 6, 1946. Jack became affiliated with the Hebron Lodge in Cleveland on May 17, 1962. On February 29, 1996, Jack was awarded the Fifty Year Pin. Jack enjoyed dancing, he traveled to many places just be able to entertain and enjoy the fellowship with his friends and family. He also enjoyed working in his yard and garden and was an avid fisherman. Survivors include his one son Jack A. Johnson, Jr. of Tyler, Texas; two daughters Johnye B. Duff of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Mary F. Longhofer of Canyon Lake, Texas; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents Jack was preceded in death by wife Iva Lorene Johnson, two sons Charles Edwin Johnson, James Rodell Johnson, two brothers Sam and Troy Johnson as well as two sisters Iva Goddard and Viva Minix. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Dale Gowdy officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.