Born in East Liverpool, Ohio on 06-25-1942.
Died on Monday night, 12-08-2025 in Owasso, Oklahoma, at 83 yrs of age.
Earl was born in East Liverpool, Ohio and lived his childhood in that area.
Earl attended East Liverpool public schools and graduated from Beaver Local High School’s first 4 year graduating Class in 1961.
Earl entered the military service after High School and served our Nation in the United States Air Force. Earl served overseas in Japan and Korea and learned Aircraft maintenance and other mechanical skills. Earl was honorably discharged from his military service in June of 1965.
Earl returned to East Liverpool and there, he met his wife, Rosalie Wlicox. Earl and Rose were married on 06-22-1966 and established their home and life. Earl raised three children, Rhonda, Lonna, and Richard. Earl and Rose were active members of the St. Aloysius, and St. Ann’s Parish Catholic Church. Earl participated in the Knights of Columbus men’s group and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Earl and Rose later attended St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Owasso, Oklahoma
Earl was active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Earl participated in coaching his son in little league baseball and attended many school and sports activities throughout their lives. Earl was one of the first coaches to allow a girl to play on his team and did not care what your skin color was like. Earl held his players to his ethical standards and would bench you for misbehavior, regardless of team status.
Earl worked relentlessly in the industrial and mechanical fields. Earl could do just about anything from auto repair, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and even masonry. Earl was known for his ornery character and would readily let you know just what he thought about any given situation. Earl often repeated a popular phrase among welders that said, “I can fix anything from a broken heart to the crack of dawn.”
Earl spent most of his working career at Crucible Steel Mill in Midland, Pennsylvania. Crucible Mill was a major cornerstone and huge employer in the area. Crucible Steel was the largest producer of large blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces prior to World War II. Earl was truly proud of his employment at Crucible Steel, and that he followed his father’s footsteps into the steel mill occupation.
Earl loved to play golf and loved to dance. Earl loved his music and would often sing to Rose around the house, trying to entice her into a dance with him. Earl was an avid Chevrolet loyalist and would not let you park a Ford in his driveway. Earl spent a lot of time working on cars as a side job to make financial ends meet. Earl was a man that did what he needed to do, to be a good provider and to set the example for his children and grandchildren. Earl was without question a man of the “last greatest generation.” Earl was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
The economic collapse of the 1980s caused the Steel Mill to shut down, and he and Rose moved and settled in Oklahoma in 1982. Other family members had found employment opportunities in Owasso, Oklahoma, and that led Earl and Rose to the Owasso/Tulsa area. Earl continued to earn a living by working in the Heat Exchanger manufacturing industry for many years. Earl worked at Fabsco, and later at Yuba Heat, and established his home in Owasso, Oklahoma. After his retirement, Earl volunteered at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso and often would help with maintenance needs around the hospital. In his later senior years, Earl took a job at Wal-Mart to make money to cover the cost of medications that Medicare did not cover. Again, just another example of a man from the “last greatest generation.”
The years following their relocation to Oklahoma resulted in significant life changes within the family. Earl became a grandfather of many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Time also took the lives of his parents and siblings.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents:
Elwood Harley Johnson and Blanche E. Johnson of East Liverpool, Ohio
His siblings:
Curtis Johnson of Florida
Thomas Johson of West Virgina
Judy Johnson-Allen of Florida
Earl is survived by one brother:
Richard Johson of California
Also, Earl is survived by:
Spouse: Rosalie Marie Wilcox-Johnson of Owasso, Oklahoma
Children: Rhonda Lynn Wain and spouse Kevan Wain of
Negley, Ohio
Lavon Larae, “Lonna” Klahr, and spouse Glen “Tony” Klahr of
Owasso, Oklahoma
Richard Lee Johnson, and spouse Amanda Johnson
Smithsville, West Virginia
Grand Children: Michael & Susan Wain of East Liverpool, Ohio
Garrett & Keumi Wain of Negley, Ohio
Steven & Josie Klahr of Nowata, Oklahoma
Jenna & Gage Wiggs of Skiatook, Oklahoma
Christopher Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Kallie Marie Johnson of Virginia
Juli-Ann Johnson of Virginia
Justin Braun & wife Brittany of Collinsville, Oklahoma
Brittany Cable of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Danielle Cable of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jenniferlee Johnson of Owasso, Oklahoma
Richard Lee Johnson, Jr of Smithville, W. Virginia
Great-Grandchildren: Earl is survived by 29 great grandchildren from around
the United States and another on the way.
9 Great Grandchildren in Ohio, Wyatt & Ashley (Wain) Argabrite, Lukas, Kara, Emily Wain, Riley Lynn, Ryan Marie, Aiden, Cullen Jack Wain
5 Great Grandchildren in Oklahoma, Lincoln, Helena Klahr in Nowata, Oklahoma. Stevie Jean, Carlos Anthony and Elwood Cash Wiggs of Skiatook, Oklahoma
15 Great Grandchildren, Evie, Owen, Jacob Johnson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mason, Bryson, Emerson, Carson, and Stetson Braun of Collinsville, Oklahoma. Skyla, Hensleigh, Alyssa, Lee, Josh, Jacob and Jonathan Cable of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Departing Scripture:
John 14: 2-3 KJV
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will surely come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
