Gerald Eugene Johnson

Gerald (Jerry) E. Johnson, Age 58, passed away at his home in Bastrop, TX. on Dec. 11, 2014. He was born on June 5, 1956 in Freeport, IL to Kenneth (AL) Johnson and Barbara J. Johnson (Bittner). As a young man, Jerry became interested in mechanics and worked with his father in their family auto care business. He joined the Air Force in 1975 and served for 4 years in Mountain Home, Idaho as a vehicle mechanic. Upon his release he became a certified, recognized ASE mechanic, and worked for Humphrey, Cadillac and Olds in Rockford, IL. for many years. He later became employed at Forte Automation in Machesney Park, IL where he was a supervisor for 16 years. While employed at Forte he was able to travel to various parts of the U.S. While in IL he enjoyed many activities like Fishing, Boating, Hunting, and Swimming. His largest love was his refurbished Harley that he would ride in just about any weather. He loved to participate in poker runs and hang out with his friends at Rockys where he met his soon to be wife, Barb. In 2008 Jerry and Barb moved to Bastrop, TX. He immediately began enjoying the Texas life and started working for Lonestar towing and collision in Bastrop. While at Lonestar he became good friends with Bobby and Amy and assisted them by bringing in business and working with new, soon to be mechanics. He became a member of American Legion Post 533 and was elected sergeant at Arms and then Judge Advocate. Jerry always loved talking to new people and met a lot of good friends. He had the blessing of meeting Ken Anderson. Ken not only became a good friend but a confidant as well. Jerry loved to go and help Ken work on boats and sometimes just talk for hours. Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara(O’Daniel) Johnson, his two children - Travis and Blair Johnson, his father, Al Johnson, sisters Kay Groves and Deanna (Robert) Cloyed (Johnson). Jerry is also survived by his wife’s children, Angie (Derek) Fewin, Jennifer (Erik) Janes, Grandchildren Brody and Lita Johnson, Jeremy, Nick, Quinn, Hannah, Dylan, Harrison, Elliott, Callum, and Maddie. Jerry was welcomed into heaven by his mother, Barbara Johnson and his sister, Patty Johnson. Jerry did not want anyone to mourn his passing to a better, pain free life and as such no services or burial will be held. With his wishes in mind his wife and family, with the assistance of the American Legion Post 533, will be holding a celebration of life. This will be held on January 31, 2015 at the Legion Post (3003 Loop 150 E. Bastrop, TX. 512-321-5555) at 3:00 PM. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Please join us in celebration of a wonderful life of a wonderful person.