Gordon Wayne Johnson

Gordon Wayne Johnson, 79, of Junction City, OR, passed away on February 18, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.
Gordon was born on July 14, 1945, in Eugene, OR, to Wayne and Wanda Johnson-but he did not meet his father until months later, when World War II ended. Growing up in rural Crow, Oregon, he thoroughly enjoyed farm life. Gordon had an "older" sister, Deanna Pitcher (Carl).
He attended Western Oregon University, where he pursued his education to become a teacher. It was there that he met Daisy Betterton, and in 1965, they married. This June, they were set to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Their early years of marriage were full of moves. Gordon taught and coached basketball in Perrydale, OR, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada, and Hermiston, OR. While in Canada, Gordon and Daisy adopted their daughter, Christy Sno. As a family, they spent three years in Ethiopia, where Gordon taught and coached basketball at a missionary school.
After returning to the U.S., they settled in Junction City, OR, where Gordon helped found Christ's Center, a church and private school. He later planted a second church, King's Grace Fellowship. Connecting with people was his passion; he cared more about one's relationship with God than about which church they attended.
Gordon was especially proud of his granddaughters, Brittany "Paige" McAllister and Lexa Sno McAllister (Iain). He was a strong advocate for women in leadership-encouraging his daughter, granddaughters, and women in the church and beyond. He also believed that discipleship was not just a 12-week course, but a lifetime commitment.
Gordon is survived by his wife, his daughter and granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church in Junction City, Oregon, on March 1st at 11:00 AM, with a reception following.
The family gives special thanks to PeaceHealth Hospice, Fresenius Kidney Care, and the many healthcare providers and caregivers who supported Gordon in his final days.