Ronald (Ron) Glynn Johnson, 80, of Palm Springs, Calif., passed away peacefully on Friday evening, Feb. 24, 2023. Ron was a retired veteran of the U. S. Army having served in Vietnam and awarded the Army Commendation and Bronze Star. He later retired from the Army National Guard as a Lieutenant-Colonel.
Ron was born on Sept. 4, 1942, in Culver City, Calif., but was raised in east Texas.
He later found his way to southwest Louisiana where he graduated from McNeese State University and began a career as an educator with the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Ron retired from the school system having served 21 years in public education and touched many lives as a teacher, counselor, principal, and Vocational Supervisor. He was principal at DeQuincy High School from 1981-88. He continued his career working in various technical and community colleges across the country and ultimately retired from his educational career in 2010. He spent retirement years working part-time at Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs and did so until his health no longer allowed.
It was on a golf course where Ron met the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerri” Johnson. They were happily married for 19 years before her untimely passing. He was also predeceased by his parents, William E. Johnson and Vivian Alene Harris.
His is survived by his children, Bobby Johnson (Hal), Pamela Arseneault (Mark), and Russell Johnson (Kacey); grandchildren, Lauren (Caleb), Leah, Kade, Parker and Savannah. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Lori Rainwater (Chuck), Alan Rainwater (Pam), and Ron Rainwater (Tohni) along with their children and grandchildren and extended family he loved dearly.
Ron was a kind man who spent his life building lasting friendships and will be missed by all. Life threw multiple health challenges at Ron, but he faced them all with strength and determination. He was a true warrior to the very end.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Saturday, Mar. 18, at 12 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at Indian Canyons Golf Course in Palm Springs, Calif., on Thursday, Apr. 13.
(Paid Memorial)
