Fred Howard Johnson
Fred Howard Johnson, a beloved resident of Kountze, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born on October 26, 1928, in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, Fred was the youngest of 15 children born to the late William Thomas and Charlotte Abbie Johnson. He often fondly recalled his childhood in the Webbers Falls/Gore, Oklahoma area and remained deeply proud of his small-town roots throughout his life.
Fred graduated from Webbers Falls High School in 1947 and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. His love of country and strong sense of patriotism were known and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Following his military service, Fred relocated to Southeast Texas, where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Alice Reidinger, in 1957. Together, they built a life centered on faith in God, family, love, and community. Their marriage of over 60 years was a testament to lasting commitment and devotion.
Fred was a successful local businessman, but his greatest pride came from being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Above all, Fred was a man of faith. He was a dedicated member of the Kountze Church of Christ for more than 60 years. His unwavering belief in his Savior and his love for others were evident in both his words and actions.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, his son Ricky Glen Johnson, grandson Brian Dustin Overstreet, son-in-law Don Melton, his parents, and all 14 of his siblings.
Fred is survived by his daughters Donna Melton of Vidor, Cindy Deatrick of Silsbee, Kayla Johnson of Lufkin, and Abbe Overstreet of Kountze; his son Eric Johnson of Kountze; and son-in-law Steve Deatrick. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren who will forever cherish his memory.
A memorial service to honor Fred’s life will be held at the Kountze Church of Christ on May 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm with funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm at the same location, with Minister Heath Stapleton officiating. His interment will follow at Holland Cemetery, Kountze, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate the legacy of a man whose life was marked by love, faith, and service—and who touched countless lives along the way.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Kountze Church of Christ
- 1035, N Pine St, Kountze, TX, 77625,
- May 5, 2025
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
Kountze Church of Christ
- 1035, N Pine St, Kountze, TX, 77625,
- May 5, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Holland Cemetery-Kountze
- 5523, Holland Cemetery Road, Kountze, Texas, 77625,
- May 5, 2025
Abby I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad he was a wonderful person and friend to all and will be missed praying for you and your family
My sincere condolences to Abbe and Brittany. You each have your own precious memories of your daddy and grandfather that no one can take from you. Relish those memories. Love, Joline
A great man and a genuine Oklahoma sooner fan. Sorry to hear of your loss Fred. You’ll be greatly missed. R. I. P.8
Years ago, Fred owned and ran the Silsbee Farm and Ranch Feed store between the tracks in Silsbee as he always said “Young’un” what can I get you, always had a smile a firm handshake just a phone call away I could always count on him. R.I.P. Ole FRIEND
The Family of Fred Johnson, Mr. Fred was a good man. I would see him at Mama Jacks and I enjoyed talking to him. He would always ask about Richard ( my husband). He will be missed by many. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
A great guy. Saw him at Mama Jacks recently. Friendly, sociable and a valued citizen of the community. He will be greatly missed. Prayers.
To the Johnson family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Hold your memories near and he will always be with you.
To all of Mr. Johnsons’ family, My family and I wish to express our sympathy and condolences for your loss. We truly thought the world of Mr. Johnson and valued his friendship. He was a very special man and will be missed by many. You are all in our prayers. Sincerely, The Dwight Birdwell Family
MR Fred was one of the nicest people I have ever met. We had many lunches at Mama Jacks together. Fred you were loved and will be greatly missed!
Loved Fred Johnson. Spent untold nights at his house with Kayla Sue and siblings. A wonderful Chtistian man who raised a great family, with wife Barbara. Those were good times I will never forget.
What a man! Always kind, helpful, and loving to everyone. Never met a stranger. Never passed an opportunity to get to know you if you were a stranger. Faithful service is what I remember most about you, Mr. Johnson. I love you and your entire family. My deepest sympathy, but also a little jealous that you are singing in heaven’s choir today.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr Fred was such a blessing to us all. While it is a loss for us, we know all of Heaven is rejoicing to have him home with Jesus where he belongs. Kay the Lord bring you comfort and peace during this time.
Mr Johnson was such a sweet man to me. He was always so friendly. He will be missed so much. Prayers for his kids!