J. Peter Johnson

Pete Johnson (87) passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, with his loving wife, Margaret, and his three sons, Kenneth, Philip, and Paul, and his daughter-in-law Patricia, by his side. Born and raised in Osawatomie, KS, Pete played center on the high school football team, performed clarinet in the band at halftime, and cultivated his lifelong passion for golf. He went on to study mathematics at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, where he played on the golf team and was Senior Class President. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Margaret Jones. Their love story began their freshman year, deepened when they were pinned as sophomores, engaged as juniors, and united in marriage two weeks after graduation on June 14, 1959. Pete then pursued his master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Kansas, where he also fostered a lifelong devotion to Jayhawk basketball. In 1961, Pete and Margaret moved to Houston, TX, where he became the first digital seismic programmer in the Texaco Bellaire Research Laboratory. Over a distinguished 33-year career, Pete advanced through the technical and managerial ranks of Texaco’s computing and geophysical operations, taking his family on adventures across the country and the world, including Slidell, LA, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (where he worked with ARAMCO), and ultimately back to Houston, where he retired in 1994. In 1996, Pete and Margaret retired to Hot Springs Village, AR, where he remained active in his church and community. Pete enthusiastically volunteered with The Rice Depot and Arkansas Food Bank and served on the board of South Central Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A faithful member at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, he chaired the mission committee, was a member of the Emmaus group, and was a Certified Lay Speaker. In 2012, he was honored with the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. Pete was an avid golfer, playing nearly every day and serving as president of the Diamante Men’s Golf Association. In 2014, he achieved a lifelong golfing dream, a hole-in-one on Diamante’s Par 3, 12th hole. Family was always first in Pete’s life. He coached his sons’ little league baseball teams to multiple championships, spent every summer at the family lake house on the Chain O'Lakes in Waupaca, WI, enjoyed decades of family golf outings, and orchestrated numerous family cruises around the globe. Pete and Margaret were fully devoted to their grandchildren, faithfully attending their events and celebrating holidays together when possible, creating a family legacy of love, support, and cherished memories. Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Margaret Jones Johnson; his brother Robert Johnson (Sheri) of Lawrence, KS; and his three sons: Kenneth R. Johnson of Hot Springs Village, AR; Philip Johnson (Patricia) of Belle Chasse, LA; and Paul Johnson (Diane) of Cedar Park, TX. He was a proud grandfather to Katie Barrois (Matthew) of Belle Chasse, LA; Jackie Pierce (Jamie) and Haley Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; Madeline Johnson of Dallas, TX; Megan Johnson and William Johnson of Cedar Park, TX. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren: AnnaBelle Barrois, Elise Barrois, and Matthew Barrois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen Johnson. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Pete was the loving and proud patriarch of four generations. Our family memories are forever filled with love and gratitude for a life well lived. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 am. A short reception will follow the service. Additionally, the family invites guests to a light lunch at Diamante Country Club at 12:30 pm, for those who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: ● South Central Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes ○ Donate https://www.scafca.org/donate ● The Arkansas Foodbank ○ Donate Online https://arkansasfoodbank.org/support/donate-funds/?form=FUNSXTBKVDX Arkansas FoodBank 4301 W. 65th Street Little Rock, AR 72209 ● Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church ○ Memorial https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4R1/campaign/C-12ATM 700 Balearic Rd. Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

J. Peter Johnson

January 4, 1938 - February 21, 2025