Chester Johnson

Chester Ray Johnson was born on September 9, 1927 in Pea Ridge Arkansas. He was married for 67 years to his late wife, Polly (Shermer) Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Janetta (Johnson) Penn, Beverly Johnson and Ron Johnson, four grandchildren; Lindsay (Penn) Mack, Cole Johnson, Sabrina Johnson, Macy Johnson and one great grandson Micah Mack, son-in-Law, Michael Penn and brother Bob Johnson. Chester spent most of his childhood in Pea Ridge and Rogers Arkansas which is where he met his wife Polly. Chester's first job was at a gas station as a mechanic and then he was hired by Boeing Airlines. He was very successful in his career working his way up to the position of Director of Operations over the B747. He retired from Boeing after 25 years and was hired by Rockwell International to be the General Manager over the B1 Bomber and Space Shuttle projects. He was considered by many the Lee Iacocca of his industry. After 5 years with Rockwell he "retired" soon after the last B1 rolled out of its hangar. He consulted for several years during said "retirement" and served as the CEO of Vogue Motor Homes for over a year. He also became a Mason and a Shriner contributing his time and knowledge as their treasurer. He was later to be given the prestigious title as Honorary Shriner. As a result of having moved around extensively, he and Polly had traveling in their blood. They started with tents, moved to campers and upgraded RV's until they made it to the top with a 40 foot long Prevost. They didn't limit their travels to just the states. They traveled the world; Alaska, Norway, the Mediterranean, London, Paris, and parts of Russia and Germany were all a part of their journeys. In between their travels they would alternate between their home in Bella Vista and Palm Springs. After a very fulfilling retirement they decided to move from Bella Vista Arkansas to Houston to be close to their daughters. Chester treasured his time seeing his grandchildren and great-grand child. Chester became ill with dementia the last four years. He survived insurmountable setbacks. The doctors never ceased to be amazed at his tenacity and strength to live. Chester finally succumbed to a variety of complications just one day after what would have been his 67th wedding anniversary. Chester was known for his brilliance, approachability, dedication, leadership, caring heart, sensitive spirit, and devotion to his family and God. The good Lord has blessed Chester and Polly to once again be together in heaven. Viewing - Celebration of Life - April 15th at 6 p.m. at: Darst Funeral Home -796 Russell Palmer Road Kingwood, Texas 77339, 281-312-5656, www.darstfuneralhome.com. Gravesite services - April 17th at 3 p.m. at: Sisco Funeral Home - 1312 N. Curtis, Pea Ridge, Ark. 72751, 479-451-1126, www.siscofuneralhome.com. For more information about the life of Chester "Chet" Johnson, to sign the online register book, to offer your condolences or fond memories of Chet to the family, please visit www.DarstFuneralHome.com.