Tributes

Craig Lewis Johnson, aged 92, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on January 9, 2023. Craig was born on August 2, 1930, to Ludwig and Marguerite (Cuny) Johnson in San Antonio, Texas. He was a beloved son, brother, husband to Betty, father to four daughters, grandfather to eleven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He shared his gifts and talents with many, notably with Grace Lutheran Church where he wore many hats, including president and councilmember of the church council, Habitat for Humanity coordinator, church bus driver, adult Sunday school teacher, and unofficial historian. Craig was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and was a proud Longhorn. In his professional capacity, Craig worked for 39 years in the U.S. Air Force Security Service holding various positions involved in signals intelligence, retiring as Technical Director of Electronic Warfare Directorate at the Air Force Communications Center in 1991. One of his favorite assignments was a tour in Zweibrücken, Germany from 1959-1962. After his retirement, he gave many years of service to the Association of Old Crows. Papa, as he was known to many, truly made you feel special and his love ran deep for his family, his church, and his community. He was a poet who was singular in his ability to tell a story with a rhyme. He had a whip-smart wit and an axiom for every occasion. He was a bowler, a Rummikub champion, a traveler, a reader, and he loved details and order (particularly a well-written list). In his free time, you would likely find Craig puttering in the garage or cheering on the Spurs or Longhorns. Every Sunday, Craig and Betty counted noses at church for who was joining for Sunday lunch of Bill Millers at the Johnson’s house. Craig was a remarkable soul; he had a great life, he knew it, and he told everyone he met about it. He held Betty’s hand wherever they went and always told people he couldn’t believe Betty loved him—we know the feeling was mutual. Everyone who knew Papa, knew he had a sweet tooth. He confessed his love for Betty over black cows (root beer floats), kept a stash of oreos in the freezer, ate a snickers bar with lunch, and never met a pancake or waffle he didn’t like. Papa often said people should eat dessert first, while they’re still hungry. In our own lives, his legacy encourages us to see the positive, to celebrate every precious moment, to make each other laugh, to praise God, to fiercely love one another, and to try to eat dessert first. Craig is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty, his four daughters, Kay, Susan (Ronnie), Gayle (Wayne), and Stephanie (Eric), as well as his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tributes

Craig L. Johnson

August 2, 1930 - January 9, 2023