Gerald R. “Jake” Johnson
Jake Johnson, a resident of Ellicott since 1950, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014. He was a rancher and a WWII Veteran with the Army Air Corp, having proudly served in the African campaign from 1942 to 1945.
Gerald was born on October 16, 1923 to Howard and Ruby Leola (Woods) Johnson in Hollis, Oklahoma. He married Tressie V. Hill on June 17, 1945 in Morton, Texas. To this union was born three sons: Doyle, Dale, and Don, and one daughter, Phyllis.
Jake was a longtime member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Ellicott Open Door Church. He also served on the Ellicott School Board for more than twenty years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Tressie; daughter, Phyllis (husband Troy) Stephenson; two sons: Doyle (wife Dixie) Johnson and Dale (wife Mary) Johnson; daughter-in-law, Lisa; thirteen grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Don and his two sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel at 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs. A reception will follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard (just across the street from the funeral home). Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may me made in Jake’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of the giver’s choice.