Wilfred “Bud” Frank Johnson

Wilfred “Bud” Frank Johnson, 85, son of Wilfred Lawrence Johnson and Annetta Olive Hunt passed away peacefully at The Woodlands Methodist Hospital in Texas on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.

Bud was born Aug. 29, 1937 in Williamsport, Pa., only moving to Magnolia, Texas in June of 2021. He graduated from Williamsport High School, excelling in both wrestling and football, where he was a member of the Penn Central Championship football team of 1956, with a record season of 10-0.

Following high school, he spent 6 years in the Army after marrying his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Jayne Connelly. He was blessed with five children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Bud was an avid reader, loved watching college football, horse racing, and the NFL. He enjoyed playing cards with his buddies and taking “tours” around town visiting his friends. Bud was a member of the VFW and the United Methodist Church.

Bud spent a career as a brick mason, and over 60 years a member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America; and for over 30 years, he was the regular Friday-night bartender at Morey’s Tavern. Making friends wherever he went, he was a stranger to no one. Larger than life, also known as “Big Bud,” his antics were legendary as he commanded a room with stories and laughter and those who knew him have their own stories to tell.

Bud was proceeded by his parents, his sister, Shirley Hahn, and his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Johnson. He is survived by daughters, Susan McElroy (Sean) of Montgomery, Texas and Amanda Rabon (Scott) of Magnolia, Texas, sons Wilfred Johnson (Polly) of Las Vegas, Nev. and Michael Johnson (Melanie) of Spring, Texas, granddaughters, Patience Johnson, Faith Johnson, Harmony Johnson, Grace Johnson, and Shea McElroy, grandsons, Brady Williford and Linken Rabon, great-granddaughter Kaedence Williford, several nieces and nephews, and many dear, close friends who were like family to him. In life, true friendships form a TRIBE, a bond never to be broken. In death, this TRIBE reunites with joy and laughter, igniting the renewed friendships. Big Louie and Donnie, your TRIBE is now reunited!

A celebration of life will be held in Bud’s hometown of Williamsport at a later date. Please keep his family in your prayers. Bud will be missed by many.

John 16:22 “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”

The family would like to thank the ICU team, doctors, and nurses at Methodist Hospital and the Hospice team for their compassionate care during their father’s short stay. They’d also like to send a special thanks to Julie and Dick for always loving and looking after their Uncle Buddy. They are extremely grateful to the family and friends for reaching out with calls and cards, their dad felt love surrounding him before God received him.