Calvin David Johnson, 91, a beloved life-long resident of Lyford, Texas, passed away January 3, 2019, in Harlingen, Texas. On October 13, 1927, he came into this world as the youngest of five sons born to Swedish immigrants, Christian and Alma Bohlin Johnson. He was born in a home south of Lyford where his family farmed.
Calvin began school in Lyford in 1934, graduated high school in 1945 and continued his education at Pan American University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He taught Industrial Arts at Raymondville High School and eventually left teaching to continue farming. On November 5, 1950, Calvin married Irene Widmark in Montclair, New Jersey.
In 2018, they celebrated their 68th anniversary. During those 68 years, they built their home, farmed and raised their three children in Lyford. Calvin loved to travel.
He and his family enjoyed traveling during the summer, visiting state parks, camping on weekends, and spending summer days at the beach in their travel trailer. As a couple, they traveled worldwide, enjoying the sights the world could offer. Calvin felt strongly about serving his country and his community.
He joined the Texas State Guard in 1947, serving for a year-and-a-half. He also served six years in the National Guard. He served as a Lion for many years, active with both the Lyford and Raymondville Lions organizations.
He also served as commissioner for the City of Lyford. As a youth, Calvin attended the Evangelical Covenant Church in Stockholm, Texas. The church building was moved to Lyford, where he continued to attend until it disbanded.
He then joined the First United Methodist Church of Lyford. His Christian beliefs were evident in his service as a member of The Gideons International organization. In 2016, he was recognized for his 60-years of dedication in his service as a Gideon.
Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Christian & Alma Johnson; brothers Ralph C. Johnson; Herbert (Marion) Johnson; Walter (Virginia) Johnson and Paul (Gwen) Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Irene Johnson; his son, Wesley (Colleen) Johnson; daughters, Renee (Carl) Warren and Yvonne (Patrick) Wright; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. We would like to thank those who cared for Calvin: Family friends, Angela Gaedke, Lisa Pruneda, Pat Riley, Noemi Garza, and Rose Aparicio.
We would also like to thank Kindred Hospice, Yvette Cano and the Cano Home staff for the loving care he received towards the end of his blessed life. A memorial service to celebrate Calvin’s life will be held on Sunday, January 27th, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lyford Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 8313 Orange Park Avenue. A reception will follow the service.
Pastor Richard Williams will be officiating; assisted by Pastor Joe Tognetti. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International or other charity of donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo Ave.
, Raymondville, Texas (956)689-2151. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Calvin David Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.
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