Paul Frederick Johnson

The humble beginnings of Paul Johnson will not surprise anyone who knew him. It is a fitting origin for his quiet but powerful legacy of a lifetime of selflessness and love.
The youngest of Harry and Fannie Johnson’s five children, Paul Frederick Johnson was born on their small family farm on July 14, 1926, in Ottumwa, SD. As a child of the Great Depression, simplicity and gratitude for the small things became grounding principles throughout his near century of life. Being the youngest may have played a role in his signature mischievousness, and the memories of his playfulness remind us all not to take ourselves too seriously and to find joy wherever possible.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s forced his family to sell everything they owned and move east to Keokuk, IA. His dedicated effort of walking three miles to and from school to earn his 1944 high school diploma from Lee County Public Schools gave our grandfather every reason to lament about his days of “barefoot, uphill, both ways,” but he was never one to complain.
Paul’s doggedness is exemplified in his incredible military career, with the rare distinction of being a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War. He rarely spoke of his time in the army, and the extent of his bravery and vital contributions may yet be revealed, as significant details were only recently discovered by descendants combing through memorabilia in old shoe and cigar boxes.
From 1944 to 1946, he served in the Ski Patrol and Mule Packing units as part of the 10th Mountain Division in the United States Forces in Austria. Following his active duty during WWII, Paul continued to serve in the Army Reserves as a construction machine operator from 1946 until returning to active duty from 1948 to 1952 in the Korean War as an Administrative Specialist in Headquarters, as a Stenotype Court Reporter, and as an airstrip repairman. His ready response to the call during some of our country’s most dire times earned him, at the very least, the Army Commendation Ribbon, but we wouldn’t be surprised if further decorations are revealed within these battered old boxes.
Patricia A. Doherty had two young children, Richard and Dave, when she met the quiet farm boy in Donnellson, Iowa, recently home from war. A lesser man of his time may have viewed the package deal as too much added responsibility, but Paul never hesitated to meet the moment. He embraced his role as a family man when they were married on June 19, 1954, and he reveled in his role as a husband and father. He and Pat were thrilled with the addition of their third son, Joel, and completed their family with the birth of their daughter, Jane.
Word of work in Rawlins, Wyoming, brought the family west. His first job in the Equality State as an Auto Body Repairman eventually led to his own business in Rawlins, WestSide Body Shop. Paul continued working as an auto body repairman until the age of 87, spending his final working years restoring gas pumps in Cheyenne, WY.
Nothing brought out Paul’s playfulness more than his grandchildren. He shared his love of the outdoors and adventure with family camping and fishing trips. From the silly nicknames he gave everyone to the endless teasing and jokes, the moments accompanied by his mischievous grin and contagious chuckle are our most treasured memories.
His patience and commitment as a partner and doting husband to his spirited wife for 65 years of marriage is another powerful example of dedication and selfless service. He cared diligently for her until her passing in 2020.
Paul passed away on July 27, 2024, in Loveland, CO, just 18 days after his 98th birthday. He had promised to make it to 98, and he exceeded that promise with his characteristic fortitude and grit.
As he joins his wife, his oldest son Dick, his parents, and all of his siblings for the adventure of whatever mystery that follows, we can all hear his quick dismissal of the fuss being made on his behalf: “Holy Mackerel, we don’t need to make a big deal of it,” he’d say with a wave of his hand.
We do feel he’d forgive this one indulgence. It was he, after all, who taught us the importance of personal responsibility. Sharing the significant impact his quiet example has had on us all feels requisite to honor the life and legacy of a man of few words but an abundance of generosity and action. May his life inspire us all to embody the same dedication, humility, and love that he so effortlessly displayed.
Veteran Memorial Service will be held at Cheyenne National Cemetery.
Friday, Aug 16th at 11am. Celebration of his life to follow from 12-2pm at the Gathering Place 1900 E 21st St, Cheyenne WY 82001.
Casual attire is welcome—Paul would want you to wear whatever you like, just 'NO MESS TUBBIN!’