William Charles “Bill” Johns II
William Charles “Bill” Johns II
Born April 5, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio to William Andrew and Maud Freeze Johns.
Passed from this Earth on June 18, 2019.
Bill’s father moved his family to Galveston in the early thirties where Bill and his brother attended Galveston schools. Bill graduated from Ball High in 1945 and joined the Marine Reserves. He was called to active service at the start of the Korean Conflict where he fought his way out of the Chinese encirclement at the Chosin Reservoir. He was one of “The Chosin Few”.
Upon returning to the states, he married his fiancée Frances Marie Moore in May 1951 in Galveston. He raced speed boats for Skain’s Sporting Goods on Offets Bayou, winning many trophies. After a short stay in Galveston he moved to LaMarque. In 1958 he moved to Alta Loma with his growing family. He was fulfilling his childhood dream of owning a ranch.
Bill worked for over forty years at Amoco Refinery, retiring in 1987, having worked his way from lab sample taker to maintenance foreman in the refinery. During this time he also started a commercial egg business.
Bill always gave back to the community, coaching his children and many others in Little League and girls softball. He was active in the Galveston County Fair, serving as board member and Poultry Superintendent.
After retiring, Bill continued to raise his cattle and travel.
He was predeceased by his brother Robert and his wife Frances, the mother of his children, and step-son Curtis Wilson.
Bill is survived by his wife Sandra of 16 years, children David (Susan), Michael, Steven (Darla), Deborah Wagner (Jim), and Victoria Francis (Charles), and step-daughter, Andrea Gortmaker (Travis) . He is also survived by ten grandchildren Amanda Davidson (Scott), Joseph Johns, Brent Johns, Rachel Troup (Stephan) , Eric Johns, Haylie Johns and fiancé Zach Arnegard, Tad Langley (Jennifer), Dustin Langley, Alexandria Langley and Avery Ella Gortmaker as well as six great grandchildren Addison, Abigail, Alyson, Richard, Wil, and Isabella. Bill took special pride that all of his children and grandchildren attended college.
Bill had many friends from his childhood days, hunting and fishing times, ranching, and work at the refinery. He will be missed by all his friends and family.
In his honor, a visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, June 21, 2019 with funeral services 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Crowder Funeral Home Chapel, Dickinson, Texas. Interment follows at Hayes Grace Memorial Park, Hitchcock.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the VFW Post 5400 in Bill’s memory.
Mr. Johns was a wonderful man. We have many fond memories of him, Dominic, Mr. Doreck and all those great Ranchers! There is a heck of a Sunday Service going on in Heaven right now! May God wrap his arms of comfort, love and peace around all who loved and will miss him.
Prayers love and hugs.
Paul and Claudia Tibaldo
The news of Bill’s passing breaks my heart for Sandra and his family. Bill was an extraordinary man whose common sense, generosity, kindness, compassion and love was immeasurable. Farewell my friend…May peace be with you. Sandra, my heart goes out to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this difficult time.
Bill was an awesome person to be around. His high spirit and smile made life enjoyable when he was present. He will be missed especially on the AMOCO Platinum Club trips. May God Bless the John’s family through the comfort of his love.
I didn’t know Bill very well, but what I did know of him was that he always had a smile on his face. He was kind hearted, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johns family and friends