Christopher Thomas Johnson

1957 - 2018

Christopher Thomas Johnson

Corpus Christi, TX

Christopher Thomas Johnson, 61, peacefully passed away on May 17, 2018, at home surrounded by family and friends after a long illness.

Chris was born on April 20, 1957 to parents, Dee M. and Ruth Johnson, in Corpus Christi, TX. He was born with Down's Syndrome. The only boy in the family of six sisters, he was loved by his family for his warmth, his humor and his devotion to his faith.

Chris loved all things country and western. He was a cowboy at heart. He accomplished much in his lifetime, despite his disability. He was an active member of his community. As a child, Chris attended Corpus Christi Independent School district's special education classes. He also held several responsible positions in the community. At the Corpus Christi State School, he was well-known and dependable as a courier on campus. He worked at McDonald's and was a volunteer at Driscoll Children's Hospital. Chris also served as an usher at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Chris won several awards and ribbons for his participation in the Special Olympics where he excelled in bowling and swimming. In 1995, Chris received an award from Corpus Christi Mayor Mary Rhodes for being an outstanding citizen with disabilities. Chris loved to travel with his family. He traveled much of the U.S. and Canada. The highlight of one trip to Nashville, TN to see the Grand Old Opry was meeting Ms. Loreta Lynn. Chris could recite the names of hundreds of country western songs and who performed them. He considered himself a "craftsman" by profession and latch-hooking was his occupation. He worked relentlessly and produced countless latch hook rugs, pillows, and wall hangings.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Dee M. and Ruth J. Johnson and his sisters Nancy Johnson, I.W.B.S and Frances McCabe both of Corpus Christi.

He is survived by sisters Carol Polasek of Beeville, TX, Martha (Lewis) Zapata of San Antonio TX, Mary Ruth (Jimmy) Garcia of Austin TX and Susan Johnson of Corpus Christi, TX, in addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Upon the deaths of his mother Ruth Johnson, and then his sister Frances McCabe, Christopher was cared for lovingly by his beloved niece Denise McCabe and his nephew John McCabe of Corpus Christi. His niece Nancy McCabe Bell, RN of Austin, TX assisted in coordination of his long-term care. We, his family, will be forever grateful for their compassion, patience, loving and outstanding care of our brother Christopher during the final years of his life.

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, TX with burial to follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

To share words of comfort with the family please visit: www.seasidefuneral.com.