Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Martin Johnson Obituary
Farmington, NM - Asked what he wanted in his obituary, "I have lived a good life and I would happily live it all over again".
Martin graduated from high school in May 1943 and within a few weeks was on his way to the U. S. Naval Training Station in San Diego. By the end of December 1943, he reported to the USS LaVallette (DD448) in Alameda, CA. His destroyer was involved in numerous invasions and operations in the Pacific. After being discharged in 1946, he returned to northern New Mexico and signed up for classes at Trinidad Junior College in Colorado. While enrolling for classes, he met his future wife, Frances Benich, in the Admissions Office. They were married in 1947.
After receiving a degree from TJC, he continued his education and transferred to Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. He then applied for optometry school and was accepted to the Los Angeles College of Optometry and graduated in 1951. He accepted a position at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque and practiced there for several years. While at Lovelace, he was involved with the testing for astronauts in the fledgling NASA space program. He moved to Farmington in 1958 and practiced for over 30 years before retiring.
Martin was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting and pack trips with his mules. He enjoyed taking various classes on archaeology, geology, and mining at San Juan College in addition to exercising at the college 3 days/week until early last year.
He was preceded in death by his parents Milford R. and Mariam C. Johnson, brother Melvin C. Johnson, and his wife of 70 years, Frances P. Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Wilbur D. "Deke" (Marita) Johnson of Stillwater, Oklahoma, his daughter Sue Johnson (Jim Zabilski) of Edgewood, NM and his sons, Ron (Stacey) Johnson and Mark (Teresa) Johnson of Farmington, six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Welbrook for the compassionate care they provided. We'd also like to thank Biff and Tess Stransky, Jack Cline, Charles Taulbee and many others for their steadfast friendship over the years.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Johnson
Sponsored by daily-times.com.
6 Entries
May 15, 2020
We're packed and ready for our ride on the trails! Thank you for all the bread, carrots and other treats you gave us. I'll always be your lead mule.
Love,
Skillet, Bungy, Cracker and Cobalt.
Mark and Teresa Johnson
May 15, 2020
Dad, THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY! Not a day goes by that we don't think of you, want to go to the farm to see you and just visit and listen to your stories. Thank you for always teaching us the ropes of the land, mules, hunting and fishing and all the other stories that you've shared with us. You have touched so many lives here both young and older generations. But you always said "never get old, stay young" to do the fun things in life.
From the smirks you gave us when you weren't quite sure we should have done it or said it our way... to your smiles and sparkle in your eye when we did it your way "the Johnson way" it showed that you were proud of us. To all the meals we had together and cooked for you, my Tupperware will always be empty now waiting to fill them for you and wait for you to ask for more green chili or salsa with more spice. We will always plant a tomato plant and catch fish in your honor. We will miss you on mule rides remembering all the rides you went on with us, we will carry and treasure our learnings and memories with us throught out our days.
You're healed and in a better place now with mom, you had 70 years together here on earth... but you'll have eternity together in Heaven. We can't wait till we see you and mom again.
We love and miss you dad!
Gordon Glass
May 12, 2020
I have missed Martin at the college fitness center this last year. He once said he got more exercise getting in and out of the building than working out but liked seeing and visiting with people.
Warm wishes to all his family.
Kenny and Ethel King
May 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss are prayers are with you and your family.
Sandra Gomez
May 9, 2020
My sincere condolences, to the family and friends of Mr. Johnson.the eve before he passed, he was sitting in the lobby, i patted his shoulder, and said. Look at you Mr. Johnson, you look great! He always had a smile. He will be missed. It was a pleasure meeting him.
Teresa Ellis
May 8, 2020
Dr. Martin Johnson will be greatly missed. He was such a kind man, who would come to the bank and take care of business and we could visit. I'm going to miss my visit's with him. Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers...
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Martin Johnson's name
Memorial Events
for Martin Johnson
How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Martin Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored