Clark "Deak" Johnson

Clark “Deak” Johnson passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 in Lubbock.  He was born August 23, 1922 in Tulia, Texas to Alva and Minnie Johnson.  He was the youngest of eight children.

When Clark was about four, his family moved to Turkey, Texas where he graduated from high school.  On a basketball scholarship, he then went to West Texas State College (now WTA&M) in Canyon, Texas.  During his junior year, he made the All-American NCAA basketball team. 

While still in college, he met Ernestine Flores in Delano, California, and they married on June 6, 1944. Out of college, Clark worked for WA Marshall Auto Supply Company, Peerless Pump Company, and Western Auto Supply Company.  Then, from 1968 to retirement, he worked in the insurance business.

Clark gained the name of “Deak” (short for deacon) as a result of church leadership; and during all his jobs, he continued to hold singing schools, lead singing, serve as a deacon and elder, and preached.  He was a member of the Quaker Avenue Church of Christ.

Clark and Ernestine had two children and were married for 64 ½ years.  He was preceded in death by his beloved Ernestine; six brothers; and one sister.  A son and his wife, Maynard and Brenda Johnson of Tolland, Connecticut; a daughter and her husband, Phyllis and Charles Yarbrough of Burleson, Texas; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren survive him.

The family will receive friends 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Combest Family Funeral Homes.  Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2013 at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ with David Langford officiating.  Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Please celebrate the life of Clark by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com