Our Johnson Family

LUTTRELLS   NEVADA SMITH    JACK FRYE   DIE-CAST   SAILPLANES    MUSIC

To view the Johnsons Midevil period Heritage, click on "LUTTRELLS" link above.

John Peter Johnson, originally from Denmark, and Anna Marie Denzau from Germany, our Great Grandparents circa 1875? We know that John's trade was a custom Carriage Painter who was an expert at penstriping and scrolling with great detail. Its presumed he lived until his late 40's to early 50's and passed on the year 1914 in Paso Robles, CA. My father Ken Johnson Jr., doesn't recall much about Anna Marie as he was just a small child when he remembers her visiting at our great uncle Burtell's in Santa Maria,CA., about 1934. What he did remember though was her typical great German stature.

Kenneth Johnson Sr., and Grandma Tillie, Apple Valley, CA. - 1965. Here is a man that easily passed as "Wild Bill Hickock" with all the kids at the park. He used to tell stories about how he and his brave soldiers would hunt buffalo and chase the indians around the countryside, and they all believed him! Grandpa Ken was the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters and would while in his twenties, drive a getaway car for his uncle BUCK SMITH, a professional gambler during the roaring 20's and 30's. He loved motorcycles in his earlier years (see below) and became a craftsman in carpentry by trade. He also was one who loved to study and find gemstones and various earthen materials. In his final years he was a student of the Bible. Grandpa passed away 1980 in Apple Valley CA. Grandma Tillie was a very humble and happy lady that was a joy to be around. It's her side of the family that has blood ties to the famous LUTTRELL Family spoken of on this website.

Kenneth Johnson Sr., on his new 650 Truimph Thunderbird, 1950

As I mentioned above, Grandpa Ken had a few brothers and sisters, one of which was our great uncle REG at left. Our grandpa Ken was the only one of the 8 that wasn't a musician. Reginald was one of the eldest and one of the most accomplished in music as he was a professional for many years on the big band circuit. He played the clarinet, the saxophone in all sizes and loved playing and singing at home on the organ. Apparently he had a large collection of instruments that to this day, I wish I owned even one. Other brothers played also: Jack Johnson - Guitar, banjo, bass viola Harold Johnson - Bass viola, tuba Burtell Johnson - Cornet

Reginald Johnson, 1928

Just one of many bands that uncle Reg played for in those grand ole days.

This is our father Ken Johnson Jr., standing next to his brand new 1947 Truimph 3T-350cc. What he would do to own another one of those! Dad is a unique individule that loves to read non-fiction books until he can't see anymore. Quite literally a historical and literary genius that can recall facts and information at a whim. Dad until he retired in 1985 was considered one of the countries top Blade Operators (road grader) for some 20 years! He was a Teamsters union member that began his career in the California State Forestry in Morgan Hill CA. He and mom moved from San Jose CA to Apple Valley CA in 1955 when I was a year old. He served in the Army in Korea in 1950-51 as a communications lineman that would venture ahead of the troops in enemy territory with the General laying in multiples of telephone lines. The phone lines we're then used to relay information as to the enemies movements and to call in for artillery bombardments. Dad doesn't talk much about the war, just that he was one of the few survivors in his platoon. He currently resides in Apple Valley at a private oasis and enjoy's his books and writes articles of various interests.

Dads brand new 1959 Triumph 650 Bonneville. I used to ride with him and hang-on for dear life! I recall many times we would do 100mph on the open road with him saying, "hang on tight". That was a wonderful time in my life that still rings loud with those great sounding pipes.

This is our mother Jone Joyce (Lloyd) Johnson when she was in her 20's when Eric was a toddler, probably around 1955. She was a wonderful loving mother and very beautiful also. Mom was also an artist, particularly water colors and fashion design. Her mother Antoinette was a full blooded Italian as you can probably tell, and her father Roy was a family comedian. Mom grew up in San Francisco with her brother Rich. Her father was a San Francisco motorcycle cop with 30 years on the force and her mom was a homemaker. Of all the things mom loved besides her family and children was dancing. She was a pro with all the graceful moves until she eventually taught professionally in Swing and Western style. Dad never danced, was too insecure. So, we'd all go out to the dance halls in those days when it was ok for kids and watch mom dance. One partner I will never forget was ole Frank Odell. Frank and his brother Jim are nephews of the late Roy Rogers. Not quite as successful as Roy, but friends of the family. The unique thing about Frank was, believe it or not, was his wooden foot and leg! Mom really enjoyed dancing with Frank as he un-believably was a terrific partner and had all the necessary fluidic moves on the dance floor. Mom was such a far better dancer than the others that all enjoyed watching her at center stage.

Unfortunatly, our mothers great talent and personality only lived to be 55. Her life was cut short by malenoma cancer in 1985. She loved great music like Earl Klugh, Jimmy Dorsey, Neil Diamond and even Pink Floyd! Mom was an artist through and through, very attractive and fun to be around. We all know she's with the Lord now, and that makes living life without her full of hope that we will meet again some day...

One of my favorite pics of Mom and her boys, Eric and Mark around 1959, Big Bear CA. Mom was a vibrant lady who sacrificed all to make sure her kids were well taken care of and loved.

What else can top a mother with her son and grandson holding hands. Mom is dearly missed by all us kids and family. Godspeed mother......

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