JOHNNY MICHENER

JOHNNY MICHENER 08/11/1933 - 10/02/2025 Shawnee boy returns home to Shawnee! Johnny Ray Michener, born August 11, 1933, in Shawnee, Okla., died October 2, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Johnny was one of six children born to Viola T. Roberson Michener and O.J. Michener. Shortly after high school graduation (1952) he began his work career at Sylvania Electrical Plant. He continued in this vocation for many years. While work took most of his attention, he still had time to romance his future wife, Rose Hicks, who also worked for Sylvania. Soon his lifelong love began and they were married on December 31, 1953. Johnny was 20 and Rose 19 years young. Today, 72 years later, they are still married. Together they moved from Shawnee to Roswell, N.M. where Johnny was called to duty in the Air Force. After Air Force to Shawnee, then Iowa, Richardson, Texas and finally Plano, Texas. Their adored son was born while in Richardson. John Michael is devoted to his parents, as well wife Aurora and daughter Zoe. Johnny retired from the electrical production and manufacturing industry where he had become Vice-President of Production. He then graduated from Amber University where he gained skill and knowledge to be a PhD practicing counselor. Later he trained to practice in a pain clinic near the Plano area. Many fortunate people were blessed to have his concern and care. He is preceded in death by his mother, Viola Michener of Shawnee and his father O.J. Michener of Handley, Texas, older brother, LeRoy Michener of Shawnee, older sister Anna Sue Williams of Shawnee, older sister of Eloise McEldowney of Oklahoma City and brother Harold Dean Michener of Middletown, Conn. Johnny is survived by his wife Rose Michener of Plano, son John Michael Michener and wife Aurora and daughter Zoe of Frisco, Texas. He is also survived by twin sister Clara Mae Michener Laferty of Oklahoma City and many nieces and nephews. Johnny and Clara climbed trees (we always yelled like Tarzan as we were swinging down), played kick the can along the street, baseball in a vacant lot or street and card games. So many wonderful memories. Our hometown had swimming pools, parks and who could ever forget dozens of parades marching along main street, our very special Halloween parade was open to everyone who 'Rigged up" a costume; Shawnee provided the judge stand to award some proud wearer a prize. Saturday evenings were special because The Salvation Army Band played - summer and winter-on the corner of Main and Bell Streets. The brass horns and drum echoed through every street in the entire downtown. Of course, those of us who paused to look at those faithful members clad in the Army uniform, and listen, will never forget the wonderful woman with her wonderful face. She was always smiling below the brimmed hat pushed back from her unforgettable face, her arm and hand held a tambourine which said to the listener, "Please give to the Army of Salvation! Wonder of Wonders!" This was a main street where all the drug stores were names like: The Owl, The Bear, The Lion but still left enough treats for the young ones like: root beer, ice cream and of course, joy...glee...and good ol fun! It is little wonder Johnny is returning home to Shawnee. For here the memories and sounds still crowd around us in the warm lights of Christmas decoration, the Halloween "All People Parade" and Saturday evenings filled with sounds from the Army of Salvation band. Happy memories are eternal. So Johnny and our entire family say, "Thank you home town - we will always remember you and we will always love you.