Doyle T. Johnson

A true son of the red earth of eastern Oklahoma, Doyle Thomas Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and into the awaiting arms of his Savior, on January 15, 2015.  We know that Doyle was greeted at the gates of Heaven by all of his family members and many friends who have gone on before and were near and dear to him during his long life. Doyle was born on November 3, 1925 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to Timothy W. and Izetta (Hart) Johnson. Doyle’s parents were honored to be founders of the Seminole First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he became a member at the age of 12. Doyle grew up and attended school in Seminole, where he participated (and excelled) in every sports activity and was recently voted into the Seminole Football Hall of Fame.  He attended one year at Seminole Junior College and then transferred to Oklahoma State University where he played basketball for Coach Henry Iba as a member of the 1945 National Championship Team.  He returned to Seminole in 1948, where he owned and operated Oklahoma Pump and Oil Well Supply for over 30 years, before selling the business to concentrate on the operation of his oil leases.  During his years in Seminole, he enjoyed playing golf with friends and family, playing bridge and attending the horse races. He became a mason in 1952 and was a member of the Seminole City Lodge # 476.  In 1994, he moved to Oklahoma City, but continued to cherish and maintain the special ties he had with long term friends and businesses in Seminole.  A member of the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City, Doyle loved God and his country, and was a firm believer in the conservative principles and ideals on which our nation was founded. Doyle’s love of sports in general was passed on to his children, inspiring a large family of loyal Oklahoma State fans. He still loved to attend Oklahoma State basketball games and did so as long as he was able. Doyle also enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of The Dinner Group in Oklahoma City, and attended as long as his health allowed. He made traveling an adventure and before illness overtook him, was able to win the contest with his eldest daughter on who would be the first to visit the seven continents!  Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Izetta Johnson; his wife, B.W. Johnson; his brother, Wayne Johnson; his sister, Elaine Bennett; and numerous friends and comrades.  Doyle is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Jennifer Freed and husband Rodney of Shawnee, OK; Janice Jones of Tulsa, OK; and Julia Wood of Tulsa, OK.; sons David Johnson and wife Tammye of Tulsa, OK and Doyle Johnson of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren Jason Freed of Portland, OR; Joshua Freed and wife Monica of Shawnee, OK; Jessica Freed of Tulsa, OK; and Sam Jones of Tulsa, OK; great-grandchildren Campbell Freed, Laney Freed and Tayton Harris; brother Roy Johnson on Tulsa, OK; and Jim and Teri Hunter of Okla. City, who looked upon (and loved) Doyle as a father in his later years.  Also left to rejoice in his home-going are numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and long-time friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma with a reception following at the funeral home. Burial will be at 4:00 P.M. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma. Rev. Glen Pence will officiate at the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Doyle T. Johnson to; the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; the Oklahoma State University Foundation, 400 South Monroe, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076-1749 Attn: Cowboy Basketball Program; or to the charity or organization of your choice. Funeral service arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., in Seminole, Oklahoma.     Funeral Information: January 20, 2015, 2:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868