Ershel W. Johnson (Plainview)

Ershel W. Johnson, 81, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Lubbock. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 5, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Plainview with Dr. Travis Hart officiating. Burial will follow in Plainview Memorial Park under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors. Mr. Johnson was born on July 30, 1925 in Eliasville, Texas. He grew up and attended schools in the Westside Community just northeast of Olton. The school later consolidated with Olton where he graduated in 1943. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. He returned home after the war and farmed for many years. He farmed until 1982 before becoming a federal Meat Inspector. He retired in 1993 but continued working. He re-manufactured tools and farm equipment and had a small ranching business. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Olton. He also attended First Baptist Church in Plainview and the Pastor's Class. He married Mary Louise Evans in 1946 in Skellytown, Texas. Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnson of Plainview; three daughters, Barbara Roden of Ft. Worth, Shriley and Steve Burleson of Wolffroth, Cynthia and Mark Gunter of Olton; one son, Steve and Donice Johnson of Olton; one brother, Gary Johnson of Heber Springs, Arkanasa; one sister,Juna Faye and Melvin Schwab of Plainview; nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Preceded in death by two brothers, Lenrel Johnson and Bobby Johnson; and a son-in-law, Sam Roden. A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, July 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kornerstone Funeral Directors. The family suggest memorials to the First Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.