Elliot Emanuel Johnson, 76, of Laramie formerly of Oakland, NE, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at his home. He was born on February 25, 1943 in Oakland, Nebraska to Elmer E. and Edna E. (Nelson) Johnson.
He attended Mount Olive Elementary School through the 8th grade.
He graduated from Oakland High School and went on to the University of Nebraska and joined the ROTC. After graduating from the University of Nebraska Elliot joined the United States Navy in January of 1966. He served in the Vietnam War, receiving the Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service Medals. While in Vietnam he flew off the USS Kitty Hawk with the VA-105 Squadron. After Vietnam he was in the VA-45 Squadron as an instructor.
Elliot married Elizabeth Ann Hecox on December 23, 1967 in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
He was a pilot for Federal Express until his retirement in 1998. He was an avid reader and hunter. He also enjoyed sporting clays.
He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, American Legion, VFW, and the NMLRA.
Elliot is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Edna Johnson; his brothers, Ornin and Stanley Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Johnson of Laramie; his children, Eric Johnson of Denver, CO, and Karna Johnson of Cheyenne, WY; his grandchildren, Dorian and Tristan Hamilton, Brynley, Rylan, Ayden, and Jada Reeves; his brother, Randall Johnson (Trish) of Oakland; and his numerous extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Laramie with Reverend Brian Gross, officiating.
Interment will be at 1:30 pm Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Oakland Cemetery in Oakland, Nebraska with Military Honors.
Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate.
14 Comments To "Elliot Emanuel Johnson"
#1 Comment By Mike & Lisa Kopfmann On August 19, 2019 @ 12:45 pm
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. What a blessing he was to others through his service to our country and his loving support for family. Truly an inspiring example for all of us. We send our condolences to his family.
Mike & Lisa Kopfmann and family.
#2 Comment By Missy Black On August 19, 2019 @ 1:31 pm
Mrs. Liz, Karna & Eric –
We are so incredibly sad to hear the news of his passing. With a personality (and voice) to fill a room…it is hard for me to think of my childhood and not remember him in it! I’m sending you each lots of love, prayers, and hugs (which I wish i could give in person). Know your Memphis family is thinking of you!
Love to all,
Missy (aka Squeaky as he so loved to call me, ha!)
#3 Comment By Joseph Gilmore On August 19, 2019 @ 3:27 pm
Elliot and I served together in VA-45 in 1972/73. He was a ‘class act’, a person to be counted on to get the job done. I was not aware his health issues. No doubt all who knew him thought highly of him and will miss him. My best to Liz and family.
Sincerely, Joe and Gwen Gilmore
#4 Comment By RoseAnn and Marlyn Waltner On August 19, 2019 @ 7:03 pm
We share in your sorrow. May you be comforted by The Holy Spirit. You will always carry memories of him with you.
#5 Comment By Tricia, Jessica and Kelli Reed On August 20, 2019 @ 9:45 am
Karna, we are so sorry to hear about your lost. I have great memories of your dad. We love you and you and your family are in our prayers. Tricia. Jessica. Kelli
#6 Comment By Brad Jackson On August 20, 2019 @ 11:01 am
What an incredible man – I loved hearing his voice and especially his laugh. I will truly miss the “big-guy” and was deeply saddened to read of his passing. My thoughts are with you Liz, Eric, and Karna in this most difficult time. Brad Jackson
#7 Comment By Jack Miller On August 20, 2019 @ 12:03 pm
Liz and family,
Mardy and I are saddened to hear of Elliott’s passing. Our memories of times together as crewmembers and friends will not be forgotten. Elliott’s sense of humor and easy going manner made him fun to work with. They only made one Elliott, and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Our prayers are with you and your family. Jack and Mardy Miller
#8 Comment By William R. Hertel On August 20, 2019 @ 12:18 pm
I was so saddened to hear of Elliot’s passing. We flew together for several years at FedEx, he could brighten any long night or dragging hrs of the early morning! We recently talked after 20 years and it was as if only a few days. God bless him and his wonderful family. Bill “Swoose “ Hertel
#9 Comment By Anonymous On August 20, 2019 @ 1:47 pm
I am so sorry, Liz!!!! I will be praying for you and the kids. Dorothee would always speak so nicely of him. Love, Bettye Snipes
#10 Comment By Fred and Judy Heberle On August 21, 2019 @ 7:00 am
Dear Liz, Karna, & Eric. Judy and I are so saddened by your loss. We both feel a tremendous sadness. Elliot was a great pilot to fly with and more importantly a treasured friend. We flew many time together including support missions for the first Gulf War. He also took me on my very first hunting trip to Nebraska and South Dakota; an adventure I will never forget. What a wonderful friend. We ex FedEx pilots will all miss him but we will join together again in GOD”s Heavenly Home. Our sincere Love to all.
Fred and Judy Heberle
3553 Windgarden CV
Memphis, TN 38125
209-329-5330
#11 Comment By Chuck Liverance On August 21, 2019 @ 11:28 am
Hi Liz and family, There are just not enough words to explain the sadness of Elliot passing. He was great fun at Fedex and I’ll always remember the great times traveling to you’re place and heading out for the hunting trips! He was a great friend! I hope you’re all doing as well as can be expected during this sad time. You’ll be in my thoughts for some time. Chuck Liverance
#12 Comment By Mollie and Fred Frook On August 21, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Liz, Eric, Karna and family: Elliot and I were great friends for many years. Raised in similar rural and moral homes gave us an unusual understanding of each other. We shared many interests and enjoyed doing many things together. Although separated by great distances, we supported each other with love and understanding through many a family crisis. I know his many health issues were a real challenge for him and the family. I will miss you always and look for you at sunrise on the mountain. God bless, Mollie and Fred
#13 Comment By Ted and Diane Gaudreault On August 23, 2019 @ 7:17 am
Liz, we are so sorry to hear about Elliott’s passing. We just wanted you to know your in our thoughts and PRAYers!
#14 Comment By Henry and Diana Hamilton On August 24, 2019 @ 7:39 am
Liz, so very sorry for your loss. Elliot was a big guy with a big personality. He will be missed. You and your family are in our prayers.