John E. Johnson

January 9,1934 – February 12, 2010

John Johnson, 76, of Longmont died February 12, 2010 at his home. He was born January 9, 1934 in Hugo, Colorado to James M. and Minnie (Frey) Johnson.

He grew up in Hugo and graduated from Hugo High School in 1952. He then graduated from Colorado State College of Education (now University of Northern Colorado) in 1960.

Mr. Johnson served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, for part of which he was stationed in Germany. He married Virginia (Ginger) Dynes on March 21, 1964 in Longmont.

Mr. Johnson had a long and distinguished career as an American history teacher and coach, which he began in Minturn. He moved to Longmont in 1960 and taught at Longmont High School. In 1961 he began coaching football with his long-time friend, the late Gil Everly. In 1971 Mr. Johnson went to Lyons High School to be the head football coach, where his level of success is noted by the accomplishment of making the playoffs 14 of 21 years that included seven championship games and two state titles in 1974 and 1987. He will be remembered for his love and dedication to his students, who always considered him, “firm but fair”. He retired in 1992.

In retirement Mr. Johnson continued to coach, particularly assisting his sons, Doug Johnson who is head football and assistant basketball coach at Longmont High School and Joe Johnson who is head football and track coach at Thunder Ridge High School, where Mr. Johnson helped run track meets.

He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes. He loved to travel.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert, Don and Russ and a sister, Wynona Kois. He is survived by his wife Ginger of Longmont, two sons, Joe Johnson (Melissa) of Highlands Ranch, and Doug Johnson (Angie) of Longmont; four brothers, Keith N. Johnson, Tom I. Johnson, Raymond A. Johnson and Jerry Johnson; a sister, Annie Fuller, and seven grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 17 at LifeBridge Christian Church, 10345 Colorado Hwy. 66. Cremation at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Memorial contributions made to Central Presbyterian Church or Habitat for Humanity and can be sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to leave condolences.

Roy L. Ward

February 8, 1918 – February 10, 2010

LYONS – Roy L. Ward, 92, of Lyons, died February 10, 2010 at his home.

He was born February 8, 1918 in Rose, Oklahoma to James Franklin and Edna Josephine (Tramel) Ward. At the age of 12, Mr. Ward left home to find work to help support his family following the death of his father.

Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged at the rank of Gunner’s Mate Third Class.

He married Anna Louise Roe on May 25, 1942 in Chelsea, Oklahoma. Mr. Ward settled in Lyons in 1950. Mr. Ward was a pipe fitter and welder, working for 25 years at Rocky Flats. He retired in 1984 and spent his retirement welding and fixing things for others.

He was of Christian faith and was a charter member of the VFW Post in Lyons. He will be remembered as an avid fisherman. Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Edd Ward; and three sisters, Lena Bradshaw, Rubye Sims and Myrtle Kruse.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Louise Ward of Lyons; two sons, Patrick A. Ward (Bobbie) of Lyons and Michael F. Ward (Shelly) of Conroe, Texas; a brother Earl Ward (Polly) of Lyons; two sisters, Ruth Johnson (Patrick) of Willow Creek, California and Mavis Kelsey (Dennis) of Loveland; four grandchildren, Tanya English, John Ward (Fay), Stacey Klingen (Jack) and Jake Ward; five great-grandchildren, Justin and Brandon English, Alec and Zoe Porche and Jack Klingen and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 13 at the Old Stone Church, Fourth Avenue and High Street in Lyons. Cremation was held at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties and mailed to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Share condolences at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com .

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