David Lyle Johnson

That's what I do... I smoke cigars and I know things." A very short sentence humorously describing one incredible human being. On Monday, April 3, 2023,our family lost a great man. Without notice, without a chance to say goodbye, David Lyle Johnson left this earth with his loving wife by his side and the love for his family in his heart. David was born on January 26, 1954 in Tulsa, Ok. He was the first of four children to Juanita Swope (Givens). He spent his childhood in Tulsa and the Eufaula areas with his siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. At a young age, he had a great taste for music in both what he enjoyed listening to as well as learning how to play instruments. In his teens, he played in band, was a part of the marching band and continued to play a multitude of instruments from the piccolo to tenor saxophone well into the later years of his life. David graduated from Rogers High School in 1972 and quickly there after joined the US Air Force. He held a roll in communications and stationed in both Texas and Michigan. Once his four years were complete, he stayed active in the Air Force Reserves for 12 years. His time in the military was important to him and he was proud to serve our country in the Air Force. He always had an interest in planes of all kinds. He had a large collection of posters, dye cast planes and books. He could easily be found watching a documentary or show on airplanes in his downtime, cuddled up with one of his dogs. David met his first wife, Rebecca Hummel, during high school and they married in 1975. In 1981, they had their first daughter, Sara Elaine. In 1984, their second daughter, Melissa Erin. Shortly after Melissa was born, David's job with IBM drew the family out of Oklahoma to the bitter cold state of Minnesota and in 1987; they welcomed their third daughter, Jessica Rae. Minnesota stayed home to the family, first living in the small metropolis of Rochester then eventually moving to a small hobby farm in Elgin, MN where his kids were finally able to have farm animals, including our first horse Pal, a dream his oldest Sara had wished for her entire life. David and Becky later divorced and David moved back to Tulsa in 2001 and stayed near his mom, until her passing in 2012. Tulsa was always home to him and so were his brothers, sister and mom (Granny as all called her). As his kids continued to grow, he and Becky continued to co-parent like nothing had ever changed,and in the end, there was always love there so their children always had both parents near and close to them. After he moved back to Tulsa, yearly or at least bi-yearly vacations took place in Tulsa with David,Granny, his kids, his siblings and their families. A week or so spent on the lake, eating Coney Islander, driving around and going to Big Splash. The family spent many late nights outside, listening to locusts and taking in the warm fresh air, just happy to be near one another. Vacations to Tulsa were always relaxing and healing to the soul for everyone and of course, David would always cook up delicious meals, one of his many talents. In 2009, David met a kind, lovely woman, named Linda while walking his wiener dogs, Dale and Tex around town. They began to take normal walks together until a relationship blossomed and in 2013, David and Linda got married. It was super special that both David and Linda's kids played a significant role that day, standing up at the front of the ceremony next to our dad and Linda's sons next to her. It was beautiful and enjoying that day with everyone he loved is a day we, as a family will all cherish and remember the rest of our lives. David very much enjoyed his cigars and a nice cold libation. He knew the answer to almost everything about almost any subject. He was proud of his Muscogee Creek Native heritage. He was the fixer of all things big and small... Not only did his children look up to him and depend on him, his siblings, nieces and nephews did too. He was an animal lover of all kinds. He had dogs during almost every facet of his life, from giant coonhounds to Dale, a teeny, tiny cantankerous wiener dog who passed at over 20 years old not too long ago. Cheerios was his favorite treat;David made a bowl for him every day and even bought him a little Coleman sleeping bag. David was patient, level headed, kind, and generous. He was quiet and reserved, but just about the funniest person one could ever meet. He was proud of his children and loved his wife. He loved being close to his best friends, his brothers, Eric and Todd and sister, Liann, and he truly loved his life at home in Tulsa. He had just fully retired not too long ago, and it is so very sad he didn't get more time to enjoy retirement as he worked so hard for his entire life. We all were looking forward to more visits with him and Linda to Minnesota and Washington where his daughters reside as well as hosting more barbeques in the humid heat of Tulsa on hot summer days, swimming, laughing and soaking up as much time together as everyone's busy schedules could give us. Those memories are now ones to cherish and never let go of and new memories will still be made as our lives continue on. Though our hearts are shattered, anyone who knew David knows, he would absolutely want us to celebrate him. He would want us to continue with our lives and be happy, and though his physical body is no longer with us, he is everywhere and within us, forever. He is resting peacefully, with a cigar in hand, a giant glass of lemonade on the side table, and about a dozen or so dogs on his lap, watching airplane documentaries with Granny, shaking hands and hugging with others we have lost before us. David will be missed by many, but is in our hearts forever. David was preceded in death by his mother; Juanita Swope, his Granddad; Debs Johnson and his Nanny: Ramona Johnson. He is survived by his wife of almost 10 years; Linda Johnson, his daughters; Sara Curtis (Chad), Melissa Johnson, Jessica Johnson (Zach Carter), stepsons; Joseph and Daniel Jack,grandchildren; Morgan (Alec Thompson), Luke and Evelyn Curtis, Sister; Liann Swope, Brothers; Eric Swope (Milana), and Todd Swope and by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. From his three girls.... We love you dad. We are going to miss you and our hearts are so very heavy... Thank you for being such a good dad and good human. We learned so much from you... We are sorry we could not say goodbye and I love you one last time, however we are so very humbled and blessed that we had you as our dad. We love you dad and we will miss you forever. We are proud to honor David on Thursday April 13, 2023 at 1:30pm as we lay him to rest with Air Force Military Honors at Fort Gibson Cemetery.

David Lyle Johnson

January 26, 1954 - April 3, 2023