Daryl Johnson, of Farmersville Texas, died peacefully at his home on August 3, 2024. He was 56 years old.
Daryl was the third child of Cecil Ray Johnson and Rita Fay Frasier. He grew up residing in his father’s home on Johnson Hill where he was surrounded by generations of family members who knew him to be a happy smiling child.
Daryl loved the outdoors. He was always building forts, hunting, fishing and camping.
He attended elementary, junior high, and high school in the FISD school district, and graduated from Farmersville High School in 1985. His friends and teachers knew him as “Red” because of his hair color. His talents gravitated toward participation in FFA attendance at stock shows, and his friendship with his Ag teacher continued long after graduation, when he would volunteer to weld a trailer or a cattle guard for the Ag Dept. He played little league baseball, pee-wee football, and was actively involved in the school band. He had daily chores consisting of driving tractors and bailing hay on the family farm from an early age and started driving himself at age 14.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Army Airborne, but was injured in basic training. After his medical discharge, He attended electrical trade school and worked in large factories and machine shops. He married at the age of 19 and became a father at 20. He had 3 children with his first wife and after they divorced, he was a single father raising his 3 small children. He worked hard to provide for them and to raise his kids in a loving Christian home.
Daryl was mechanically inclined and could fix anything. He was renowned for his ability to solve problems, and he developed skills in working in machine shops and doing welding work on the side to make ends meet. Faced with the challenges of being a single parent, he made his dream of being in business for himself a reality. He didn’t have capital and started working full-time for himself as frugally as possible. But he had his knowledge and his amazing work ethic.
Daryl was a child of God and held conservative values. He was humble and compassionate towards others but had little tolerance for whining about inconsequential things.
Daryl met his wife, Lisa, in 1997. They were married at Farmersville Primitive Baptist Church where he was a member in November, 1998 by his father, Cecil who was the preacher of the church. Being single parents of 3 children each, they had a large, blended family.
Daryl and Lisa incorporated Lone Star Mezzanines Inc. in July 2003 and just celebrated 21 years in business on Johnson Hill. Their company grew and employed several workers over the years and Daryl regarded them like family. He conducted his business with the utmost integrity and treated others with respect.
Daryl was lucky at playing the slot machines at the casino and enjoyed meeting up with friends for impromptu weekend trips to Choctaw. He also spent many weekends during nice weather RV camping at the lakes with family and grandkids. He loved to entertain in his backyard and was unmatched in his grilling techniques. He loved cooking and especially Thanksgiving dinner for his huge family. Even though Daryl did not get to enjoy retirement, he lived his life with intensity and purpose and enjoyed it to the fullest.
Daryl lived with cancer for the last five years of his life. He battled the disease with the most amazing grace, bravery and strength. He lived every day with positivity and determination not to let the disease keep him from doing the things he loved.
Daryl was predeceased by his father, Cecil and mother, Rita. He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Lisa; daughters, RayLee (husband, Dustin) and Christina (husband ,Tyson); son, Austin (wife, Taylor); stepsons, Richard (wife, Christina), Anthony, and Gary; and thirteen grandchildren, Conner, Shye, Isabella, Alexis, Aubrey, Aspyn, Landon, Olivia, Riley, Levi, Zayden, Kingston, and Logan, whom he all unconditionally adored and cherished. Anyone who knew Daryl knew that he was the most hardworking, loving father and grandfather a family could ask for and the friend you could always count on. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, witty jokes that come out of nowhere, and his gratitude for all the blessings that God has given him.
A visitation will be held on Friday evening, August 23, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 316 State Highway 78, Blue Ridge, Texas 75424.
Interment will be at the newly established Johnson Hill Family Cemetery.