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Johnnie Chuoke Obituary
Johnnie Chuoke Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on November 8, 1930. He attended Peacock Military Institute and Stockdale High School where he met the love of his Life, JoNell Jordan. From high school, the US Navy called his name. On a weekend pass they got married. After four years in the Navy, he returned to join the family lumber business - Acme Lumber. Finding his niche on live radio he joined DogWatch where he established a life-long friendship with Carl Wiglesworth. This radio show launched his career as the "Happy Handyman." He continued that career on WOAI, KTSA, and KKYX radio stations. He also began writing DIY tips in the San Antonio Light, The Express News, and most recently the Houston Community papers. His passion and encouragement always kept him in demand at Texas Home & Garden Shows. Acme Lumber was a family owned business that was established in 1949 by Johnnie Chuoke, Sr. Johnnie, Jr. took the helm in 1953, growing the retail business into 5 locations in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Johnnie enjoyed attending hardware shows around the country to find the latest and greatest products that he could share with his customers to make their DIY projects easier. Johnnie made sure that when you entered his stores you were treated like you were "someone special". After closing Acme Lumber in 2008, Johnnie decided that he was too young to retire so he purchased a hardware store and Johnnie Chuoke's Home and Hardware was born. Going to his hardware store was the highlight of his day, and his laughter brought a smile to every customer. He attended First Baptist Church for 30 years where he was an ordained Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He attended Trinity Baptist Church for 15 years and most recently was a member of Community Bible Church. Johnnie's "happy place" was Lake McQueeney. He loved his old cars, watching John Wayne movies, cheering on his Baylor Bears, and most of all his family. Johnnie's life was a reflection of his relationship with his Lord and Savior. His encouraging personality, his loving heart, and his contagious laughter was larger than life. Survivors include, his wife, JoNell; daughters, Trudy LeSage and Kim Fields and husband, Phillip; grandchildren, Lindsay Chuoke, Mitchell Chuoke Fields, Westin Chuoke Fields and Mariah Fields; sister, Joann Huskey and husband, Bobby and relatives from Galveston, Texas City, and Houston. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Porter Loring North Chapel.
SERVICE
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015
10:00 A.M.
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH
2477 N. LOOP 1604 EAST
Rev. Ray Jones will officiate. The family will have a private burial at a later date.
You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Chuoke
Bob Simpson
June 26, 2020
Loved his booming laugh when he did the Wally Johns show on WOAI
Susan Meyer
January 22, 2015
It was great to meet and see Mr Chuokes at the store. I always tried to greet him when he came to Methodist if I saw him. I work as a Blue Bird so it was easy to say hello. His smile will be missed.
Gayle Coleman
January 19, 2015
We looked forward to reading Johnnie's column every week. We send our condolences out to the family. And you will be in our prayers. In the obituary we learned many interesting details about Johnnie's life. We are comforted that he was a believer and active in the churches he belonged to. Through reading his columns we felt that he was a believer. It just came through in what he wrote.
K Hall
January 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us. I always look forward to reading your tips! I have your book and have ordered many hard-to-find products from your website! You will be missed.
Jim Joiner
January 17, 2015
My condolences go out to the Chuoke family during this difficult time. I attended the Fall San Antonio Home and Garden Show and had the privelidge of hearing Mr. Chuoke speak about some little known but remarkable home solutions. We learned so much from his lecture and it was a highlight of our visit to the show. Rest in peace Mr. Chuoke. You will be missed.
Anita & Frank Battle
January 17, 2015
Thank you Johnnie Chouke for enjoying life and sharing your knowledge and skills with the Bexar Community and beyond. May God be with you.
Our condolences to family members.
January 15, 2015
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure he is telling the Lord, it is a great day to paint.
Gladys Lee Converse, Texas
Access Distributing Co
January 13, 2015
Our condolences to the family. He was a kind man who always had a smile.
Sylvia Rossett
January 12, 2015
Trudy, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Irene villareal
January 12, 2015
So sorry our prayers are with the family.
January 12, 2015
Johnny was an angel sent to me at a time when I needed it the most. I will always remember his kindness and generosity to me. He will be much missed. Deborah Young San Antonio
Jeff Brooks
January 11, 2015
Saddens me to hear about Uncle Jonnie passing. I rejoice knowing that through our faith in Jesus we will all see each other again one day. Prayers for comfort during this time. Love and miss you all.
Jim and Kay Eckelkamp
January 11, 2015
Praying for the family. Johnnie was a wonderful part of my youth days at First Baptist. Whether it was on the Softball Field, at the Lake, in Sunday School, or on hayrides at the ranch, his laugh and joy of life was infectious. May God's peace and comfort sustain you during this time.
Judy (Flowers) Dyess
January 11, 2015
Thinking about all of during this difficult time. Johnny was a wonderful man with such a serving heart for the Lord. I have so many fond memories, Trudy of your dad and mom when they would host the high school group at Lake McQueeny. I will never forget all of the water skiing and being with friends. I know my brother, Tommy loved working at Acme Lumber Co., too! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dan Martinez
January 11, 2015
My sincere condolences to Johnnie's family. He was a giant of a man with strong principles and work ethic. I was one of his customers for many years buying building materials for the construction of Billboards and signs for my company. I always enjoyed conversations with Johnnie, and I was very impressed with the caricature image on his sign depicting a man holding his hands up in a trinity formation; meaning friendship, peace and love as well as father, son and spirit. He certainly was a man of faith. I know people will remember the sign and the man it symbolized. Rest in peace Johnnie, thou good and faithful servant. You will never be forgotten.
Kim Richards Frederick
January 11, 2015
Mr. Chuoke was a Godly man and such a friendly person always helping others. It was a pleasure to know him. Mrs. Chuoke, Trudy and Kim I'm sorry he is gone from this earth but he is rejoicing and celebrating in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Keep all the memories in your heart. He left such a legacy both to his family and to all the people he came in contact with. Love y'all!
Jeff and Shelene Burns
January 11, 2015
We will miss Johnnie. He was a larger than life personality and has left a wonderful legacy for his family to carry on. Our prayers are with you.
Robert ( Bobby ) Reyes
January 11, 2015
I would see Johnnie now and then at WOAI ..always very cordial, and his laughter always brought a smile to me ! ..condolences and prayers go out to the family ! !
January 11, 2015
Rest In Peace. You are watching over your family now, and singing in Heaven. Prayers for you and your family.
Kay Kersh
January 11, 2015
So sorry to hear he has passed! Loved listening to his wisdom on the radio! Prayers to his family!
john koenig
January 10, 2015
Man, I never missed his radio show. Listened, with much anticipation, for all the cool tips, but mainly for his "unique" laugh. Johnny,a hardware dude, but I bet he was an 'ole softy. I mean, Johnny would start to laugh and everyone in the room would too. I'm laughing right now thinking about it. I bet he's cracking up everyone up in heaven as we speak. I mean,look at his photo, he looks like he's getting ready to laugh.One happy dude.Smart as a whip too.
karen munro
January 10, 2015
May you always RIP!!! LOVED coming into the store, you always had a smile for everyone.
Connie King Grant
January 10, 2015
It saddens me to learn that Johnnie is no longer here to spread his God-given joyful spirit with all who crossed his path. I first knew him and JoNell through his sister, Joann, then as fellow members of a Bible class at First Baptist. I'll be praying for comfort and peace for JoNell and family, as well as all who loved and will sorely miss Johnnie's presence in their lives.
Patricia Needels
January 10, 2015
I will miss Johnnie's friendly nature he always had at the store and his laugh on the radio show. God bless Johnnie and his family. He will be missed on Saturday mornings for sure.
charles robles
January 10, 2015
always enjoyed getting stuff at your hardwarestore on west ave. rest in peace naw you will probably open a store in heaven !
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Porter Loring Mortuary North2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232
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