Joseph "Craig" Johnson

Joseph "Craig" Johnson
May 18, 1959 to December 9, 2025

Craig Johnson, a beloved husband, father, friend, family member, and outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on 12/9/2025 at the age of 66. He died surrounded by his family and friends in Colorado. Known for his boundless love of the outdoors, Craig found joy in every adventure and every quiet moment in nature. Hunting was not just a pastime for him-it was a way to connect with the land and share stories with those he cherished.

Craig's adventurous spirit led him down countless trails and into unforgettable experiences. Whether hunting in Africa, camping in Alaska with friends, skiing the slopes with his daughter, exploring the open roads with his loving wife or exploring new horizons, he embraced life with courage and curiosity. His humor, wisdom, bold and courageous personality touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in 1959 in Fort Worth, Texas, Craig spent his youth causing just enough trouble to stay interesting. Whether he was down the road catching crawdads or perched on the roof of the local store trying to catch pigeons, Craig was always up to something. He spent his teenage years pole-vaulting and held the high school record up until 1994 at Lewisville High School. Craig's remarkable skill with a rifle, paired with his steady aim and flawless technique, earned admiration wherever he went and never failed to impress. Craig spent his career at NE Construction for 37 years, a career that perfectly suited his lifelong love of the outdoors and travel.

Craig shared 49 beautiful years with his devoted wife, Gidget-a partnership built on love, laughter, and countless adventures. Together, they married on January 27, 1979 and have explored life's roads, faced challenges hand in hand, and created a home filled with warmth and joy.

Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Gidget Johnson and his beloved daughter Erica Sauer and her husband Brent Sauer, along with their three daughters- Temperance, Emersyn and Mckenna Sauer-who brought endless laughter and joy to his life. He is also survived by his last living brother, Jerrell Johnson and his wife Nelda Needham. As well as his sisters-in-law, Cindy Foster and Tammy Middleton and a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews.

Craig now joins those who went before him: his father and fellow outdoorsman, W.A. "Dub" Johnson; his brother, Steve Johnson; his father-in-law, Jim Bo Gammon; his mother-in-law, Sharon Gammon; brother-in-law, Joseph Mark Middleton and, in a tender twist of fate, his beloved mother, Pauline Johnson, who passed just eight days after him-a beautiful love story of a mother greeting her son once more at heaven's gates.

Craig's life was defined by courage, adventure, curiosity, and love. He showed us that life's most meaningful experiences aren't always found in faraway places, but in the relationships, we cherish. His memory will live on in the stories we share, the adventures we take, and the values he instilled in those who knew him.

A celebration of Craig's life will be held on 1/10/2026 at Mulkey Mason in Lewisville, Texas at 10:00 am.

Donations can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
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