Gary Lee Johnson, age 73, of Tryon, Nebraska died unexpectedly at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska on Friday, November 20, 2020.
Gary was born August 1, 1947, to Phillip and Kathryn Johnson at Franklin, NE where he grew up. Gary graduated from Franklin High School then went to Chadron State College where he earned his B.A. Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in Bruning then Dodge, Brule and eventually Tryon. Gary was a Shop Teacher, which he loved, and taught Driver's Ed. He taught all his life.
He married Mary Lu Thoms in Lincoln, Nebraska and they had three kids. Gary was very proud of his kids and their accomplishments and smitten of his grandkids. He enjoyed refinishing antiques, liked cooking, and was a collector of things. Gary especially loved being around people and in social gatherings; he could visit with anyone and did not know a stranger. He also had a unique sense of humor and liked cutting firewood 'cause it warmed you twice, once when you cut it and again when you hauled it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Kathryn, and brother, Lyle Johnson; and his wife, Mary Lu.
Survivors include his children, Caleb Wade Johnson, of Ogallala, Nebraska, Adam Clark (Jessica) Johnson, of McCook, Nebraska and Sarah Marie Johnson, of Brule, Nebraska; grandchildren, Eli Franklin, Neleigh Ann, Landon Brian, Austen Michael, Sadie Mae Lu, Paisley Marie, Willow Renae, Juniper Rain and Hazyl Lynn; his brother, Mark (Carol) Johnson of Gaylord, Kansas; sister-in-law, Delores Johnson, of Bloomington; and other family.
Cremation was chosen and services will be at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, NE is in charge of arrangements.