Bunyan Johnson

Bunyan Richard Johnson, 91, of Ft. Stockton passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022. Born December 16, 1930 in Old Glory, Texas to Bunyan Reese and Mary Lee (Towles) Johnson.

His early education began in Old Glory Texas, where he was a member of the Pirates basketball team playing guard.  He graduated Valedictorian from Old Glory High School at the age of 16 in 1947.

During his college years at Texas Tech, he was selected to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”  His record included two years of service on the Student Council. He served in the dormitory system for three years – two of those years as wing advisor and served two years as an ROTC officer. Honors include membership in Phi Eta Sigma, National Freshman Honorary Society.  In 1950, he won the Price Scholarship Award, given at Tech, and in 1952 he was awarded the Block and Bridle Scholarship. He was honored at the All-College Recognition Service Ceremony.

Richard was involved in various activities in the agriculture division, where he majored in Animal Husbandry and was a member of the intercollegiate club. A member of Alpha Zeta, National Honorary Agriculture Fraternity where he represented Texas Tech at the National Block and Bridle Convention held in Chicago. He won high honors in Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Chicago Intercollegiate Livestock Judging contests. He was also a member of the Aggie club and Tech Rodeo Association winning several metals of accomplishments.

While attending Texas Tech, Richard met Juanita Ratliff; and upon his graduation in 1953 they married in early November and began their married life in Aspermont, Texas. In the following years of his career, he worked in Oilfield Trucking & Gas Pipeline maintenance. The next 10 years he spent farming and ranching then was hired as a representative for Pfizer Animal Health products for the State of New Mexico. His final employment of 45 years was working as a manager of ranching, oil and investments for the Houston Harte families

A highlight of his life, was taking his grandchildren on numerous road trips and making many wonderful memories. For 30 years, driving dune buggies and exploring trails through the national forests in Colorado and Utah was a favorite hobby with his family and beloved friends. Richard also enjoyed hunting, playing bridge and tennis.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 69 years, Mary Juanita Ratliff Johnson of Ft. Stockton. He also survived by his 2 children: Tim (son) and Kathie Johnson, Julie (daughter) Watson. Grandchildren are Cassie (Watson) and Colton Burch, Whitney (Johnson) and Aaron Westbrook, Candice (Watson) and Joel Ramirez, and Tyler Johnson.  Great Grandchildren are:  Grayson, Gage, Gentry and Graham Westbrook, Zoey Ramirez and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Col. Glendon Johnson, sister-in-law Mary Johnson and son-in-law Kyle Watson.

He was a devoted Christian man and a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. A family visitation will be held Friday, November 4th, from 12:30-2:00 in the fellowship hall at the Ft. Stockton Church of Christ, 2100 West 16th Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Ft. Stockton Church of Christ.