Bobby Earl Johnston

Bobby Earl Johnston was born in Gorman, Texas on June 8, 1950, to Dan & Bobby Jean Johnston. He entered the gates to join his Savior on March 18, 2024 at 11:10pm.

Bobby Earl had an older brother Freddie, and later a younger brother, Billy, who passed at an early age. He grew up in Cross Plains and graduated from high school there. He loved & served his Lord, filling many positions from Deacon to music minister over the course of his life in several churches.

Bobby was a dad to more than his kids. He raised Jami and Lisa, plus 3 step-daughters and countless others who belonged to other parents, but were his as well. We were an extension of his heart as were his many close friends and other family members. He was fair, loving, always on our side, even if that meant finding a way to redirect our thoughts to what was right. There was never a moment when he couldn't make us laugh and smile. He loved everyone in a way that you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that when he said, "Act right when you leave this house, and remember who you belong to," that we all KNEW he would claim us even if we didn't behave!

He married 3 times but that third time was a charm. Trish was the love of his life and he found a happiness with her many never see in their own lives. They were both a beacon to the other's heart, never failing to find the joy in each moment they shared. They worked side by side in everything from car sales to wedding photos, and when they both found it fit to become their own boss, they had each other's back.  saw a quote and it reminds me of my Dad & Trish: " You can separate two loves by distance but you will never break the bridge that connects their hearts no matter where they are or how far apart." My Dad missed her with every part of himself, and losing her was like trying to separate the moon and stars.

Bobby was trouble, and like me, he came by it honest. Dad was known to let a fire cracker loose in a class room, make fake nitro glycerin to scare the teacher, wrap gifts by sealing things in cans and styrofoam balls and countless other practical jokes. he loved to read, sing, woodwork, play piano and none of us will forget his ability to whistle in ways that could make the Lord himself weep. It would be a tall order to find someone like him. He even played the piano, sang & whistled when Trish passed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Freddy & Billy, daughter Jami & stepdaughter Tracy. He is survived by Daughter Lisa/CJ & children, stepdaughter Donna/Tommy & children, stepdaughter Lori/Russell & children, as well as stepdaughter Tracy's children. He has many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews & other family that will miss him terribly, plus countless friends who should have been related. 

We will be celebrating the life of Bobby Earl Johnston in a few short weeks. Please join us for stories, laughter, his favorite music and flavors from his kitchen. We will be serving his favorite foods and welcoming his family and friends on April 14th from 1pm to 3:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Cross Plains. This celebration happens to fall on the 37th anniversary of my sister, Jami's death, so we'll be remembering her in a few ways. 

Should you choose to remember him with a donation, please help us extend the lives of T1 diabetics & reach for a cure! You will be honoring both Bobby & Jami, plus several other family members by donating to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at the following link:

https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation

If you would like to send flowers, the family has chosen Vine & Branches in Godley, TX. Please reach out to them at 817-918-7708 or the link below & they'll make sure your choice arrives at the celebration for all to enjoy. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091610566397&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Thank you for caring about Bobby Earl the way he cared about everyone in his life... unconditionally, with a little humor, a lot of practical jokes and a hefty dose of good food. We look forward to seeing each of you & hearing your stories about how much he touched your life.

The burial will be a small gathering of a few family and friends on another date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobby Earl Johnston, please visit our floral store.