Larry Don Johnson, 75, passed from this life and returned to his Heavenly Father Sunday January 29, 2012 after a brief illness. He was born September 6, 1936 in Charlotte Texas to Ira Edwin and Violet Irene (Oldaker) Johnson. He graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1955 and moved to Rawlins in 1957 where he met Marie Taylor, the love of his life. They married December 21, 1957 in a double wedding ceremony with Marie’s sister Carol, and Pat Briggs. They made their home in Rawlins where Larry opened the Dream Grill. He later worked for Doug Ogburn at the Venice Café. Larry was Chef and Manager of the Bel Air Inn restaurant for 29 years. For a short time he managed the restaurant at the Rip Griffins truck stop before going to work at Wyoming State Penitentiary where he was the Food Service Manager. After retirement Larry and Marie moved to Casper to be nearer to family.
Larry and Marie raised three children of their own, and for thirty years were foster parents. Together they cared for over 400 children, many of whom maintain contact with them to this day. Larry was an anchor in our family and showed by example the true meaning of unconditional love and was a perfect example of “Father”.
Larry will be remembered for his devotion to family and friends. Showing unending generosity and compassion for everyone he encountered, he never spoke ill of anyone. He gave each person the benefit of a doubt and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Larry was the hardest worker one might ever meet, and could build or fix nearly anything. He was straightforward and honest in all of his dealings, and was generous giving his time, talents and help to anyone in need. Larry loved to whistle, tell jokes, make people laugh, and had the uncanny ability to lighten even the heaviest load.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marie Johnson of Casper WY, his son David Johnson of Gillette WY, and daughters Janell (Enoch) Allred and Catherine (Van) Morris of Casper, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, his sister Barbara Jean McLaughlin, and Rose Johnson. Larry was preceded in death by three infant children Julie Marie Johnson, Holly Ann Johnson, and Corey Don Johnson, his parents, one brother, and three sisters.
