Claud Johnson

Services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, at Hermosa Drive Baptist Church for Claud Johnson of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Johnson, 80, died Friday, November 29, 2013 at Artesia General Hospital Emergency Room.

Pastor Gavin Vaughan will officiate at the services with Cremation to follow under direction of Terpening Son Mortuary. Pallbearers will be his family and friends.

Visitation will be at Terpening Son Mortuary Tuesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Claud was born September 23, 1933 in Carlsbad, New Mexico the son of Claud Johnson and Corinne Jacobs Johnson.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korea Conflict and Vietnam War. He retired from the military after 22 years of faithful service. During his service, Claud was awarded serveral commendations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

In 1971, he married Elizabeth Clayton in Boise, Idaho. They moved to Artesia in 1972 from Idaho. On March 2, 2000 he married Donna Kay Morris. She preceded him in death on July 10, 2012. On March 7, 2013 he was married to Lois Lay in Artesia.

After the military Claud worked as a Sr. Loan Officer at American National Bank and was also with the Eddy County Sherrifs office. He was a member of Hermosa Dr. Baptist Church, and Winged Riders. He was very active in the community with being a former member of Kiwanis, a Master Mason, Sertoma Club, and the Rotary Club.

Claud was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dorman and Dwayne Johnson.

Survivors include his wife Lois Johnson of the family home daughters Dora Johnson of North Dakota, Laura Swanner of Texas, Sandra Dickey and husband Jerry of Texas, Rebecca Johnson and husband Malcom of Texas, Dianne Markley and husband Doug of Texas, Beverly Stephens of Texas, Sherril Ray and husband Richard of Texas, and Terri Richison and husband Rick of Texas sons Ted Johnson and wife Amy of Idaho, Don Johnson and wife Lori of Idaho, Ronald Johnson and wife Reba of Texas, Bryan Swanner and wife Jackie of Ruidoso, N.M., James Atchley and wife Rose of Ruidoso, Scott Atchley of Ruidoso, and Stephen Andrew and wife Debbie of Texas Sister Betty Olson of Idaho brother Don Ray of Arizona 37 grandchildren 52 greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews including Max Johnson of Sante Fe, N.M.