Frederick "Fred" Johnson

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019, Fred Johnson, loving husband, father and grandfather, departed this life at the age of 80 years old. Fred was born August 5, 1939 in Claremore, OK to Freddie Lee Johnson and Freddie Lee (Rowe) Drake. Fred attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated in 1959 as a member of the first integrated class out of Claremore High School. Later he received an Associate Degree at Rogers State University. As the second oldest sibling, he was an extremely responsible and industrious child. He started mowing lawns when he was 9 years old. Shortly after high school, he took a position at the Will Rogers Hotel where his father worked. At an early age, Fred accepted Christ and became a longtime member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Claremore. After moving to Broken Arrow in 2006, he joined Living Stone Teaching Church in Coweta, now known as Truth Life Church. Throughout his life, Fred loved attending church and fellowship with others. Fred was always fascinated with the United States Postal Service and as a youth dreamed that one day he would become a mailman. He decided to start his military service by joining the Air National Guard in July 1959 and later enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the years 1961-1964. Fred attended his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, then was given the opportunity to pursue his dream while stationed in Pirmasens, Germany at the 74th Army Postal Unit. Fortunately, social media gave Fred the opportunity to reconnect with another soldier from his unit Larry Nutter, after 52 years. After returning to his hometown following an honorable discharge from the Army, he began his lifelong career as the first African American letter carrier in Claremore. Fred said he enjoyed every minute of his 31 years at the post office. He made numerous friends along his route, of both people and animals. He had many stories to tell and loved life and found joy everywhere. Fred met and later married Judith Ann Marshall in 1968. To this union two daughters were born, Pamela Elaine Johnson and Gerri Lynne Johnson. Always wanting to stay busy and before retiring from the USPS, he started working at Baker Hughes Centrilift in the security department. After this, he worked at the University of Tulsa in their security department and as a shuttle bus driver until finally relaxing into well-deserved retirement. Fred married Mercy D. Love Marshall on March 16, 2007. Fred and Mercy enjoyed traveling together, especially to Alaska. He enjoyed the outdoors, yard work, gardening, bird watching and reading in his "man cave" surrounded by the eagles he loved to collect. Fred was a voracious reader and knowledgeable on many subjects. After his health began to fail, he transitioned to his Heavenly Father at home, surrounded by love ones. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters: brothers: Bobby Rowe, Harold Rogers and sister: Beverly Jean Roberson. Fred's absence will leave an enormous hole in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by his wife Mercy Love Marshall-Johnson, Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren: Khari Johnson, Claremore, OK; Asyanna Johnson, Catoosa, OK; siblings: Charles Kerry Drake (Linda), Lawton, OK, Deborah Ann Smith (Jack), Coweta, OK, Stanley Johnson (Wilma Joyce), Claremore, OK, Wilma Jean Goodloe (George), Bakersfield, CA, Ronnie Johnson (Diane), Valleyview, TX; stepsons: Corey Marshall (Dena), Denell, Laila & Roman, Tulsa, OK, Carlos Marshall (Shaleah), Penelope & Ruby, Tulsa, OK, Curtis Marshall, Broken Arrow, OK; in-laws: Edward Jerry Love (JoAnn), Wagoner, OK, Arthur Lee Love (Tonya), Coweta, OK, Roger Love, Coweta, OK, Theleasta Love-Jones (Bobby), Hampton, GA, Eugenia Love, Oklahoma City, OK; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and other relatives and friends; Fred was privileged to serve as a mentor to nephew: Chuck Harris, Goose Creek, SC. All will miss this very kind and generous man. A Homegoing Celebration will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2019 at CrossPoint Baptist Church in Coweta, OK. Viewing will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Brown Family Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK. Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Fred Johnson entrusted his care and services to Brown Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.