Joel Thomas Johnson

Joel Thomas Johnson Nov. 10, 1935 - Sept. 22, 2015 Joel "J. T." Thomas Johnson died peacefully at his home Tuesday, September 22, 2015. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, September 27, in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas. J. T. attended Austin High School and graduated from Round Rock High School, where he played wide receiver on the football team and trumpet for the marching band. It was as a Round Rock Dragon where J. T. met his future wife, Mary, courting her as only he could by knocking her typing book off of her desk during class. The man wore many hats, each with fervent conviction. He served in the United States Army as an MP before and during the construction of the Berlin Wall, a dispatcher for the Texas Department of Public Safety and an enforcement officer for the IRS. He served as trustee of the Eanes ISD school board from 1974-1978. J. T. was also a used car salesman. His wife and children were either wowed or less than wowed by the vehicles he drove home. Mostly wowed. He then became an independent businessman, an entrepreneur, a seller of cards instead of cars. He opened and operated for many years, with widespread patronage and support, Mary's Hallmark Shop in Westlake Hills. He was soon joined in the venture by his wife, who retired from Southwestern Bell after 35 years of service. They worked together in both harmony and friction, as only spouses can, and taught their children the essentials of running a business. They eventually found themselves in Waco, wanting to be closer to their future grandchildren. J. T. was an avid reader of World War II history, a collector of stamps and coins, a member of the Waco Stamp Club, an above-average bowler and a fanatic for his grandkids' little league games, recitals and orchestra concerts. He took pride in everything he did as a father, husband and grandfather. And he took pride in serving as the distribution manager of the Wacoan, delivering magazines with Mary in their green pickup truck. J. T. was preceded in death by his father, Howard Albin Johnson; and his mother, Ruth Edith Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Johnson; sons, Darrell and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Johnson, of Austin, Gary Johnson of Austin, and Robert and daughter-in-law, Michelle Johnson; and grandchildren Madeline, Cooper and Katherine Johnson of Waco. Our hearts are heavy with loss, but we're grateful to have been part of this man's life, and we look forward to our eventual reunion. Auf wiedersehen, alten kameraden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Central Texas in Waco. Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com