VAN "PAPA BEAR" JOHNSON

Van "Papa Bear" Johnson, 52, of Crosby, Texas passed away on Monday June 30, 2008 at a local hospital. Van was born on September 20, 1955 in Kilgore, Texas to Johnnie V. Johnson and Wilma (Richardson) Johnson.

Van was a resident of Crosby for 32 years. He was a graduate of Savine Pass High School; receive a BS from Prairie View A&M and his MBA from American Intercontinental University. A salesman by trade, Van worked for 20 years with Hillman's Distributing Before becoming a Conn's Manager in Channelview. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army and Army Reserves until 1996.

Van was preceded in death by his father Johnnie Virgil Johnson and brother Mark Johnson.

Van is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Verna D. (Lacour) Johnson; daughters, Crystal L. Bessix and husband Gary of Houston, and Ashley B. Johnson of Crosby; mother Wilma Johnson of Longview; and siblings, Johnny Johnson and wife Myrtle of Missouri City, Purvis Johnson and wife Charlotte of Kilgore, Patricia Stealworth and husband Al of Longview, Sandra Eldier and husband James of Longview, Esther Johnson of Longview and Janice Johnson of Longview. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 5, 2008 from 9-11AM at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Barrett Station. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 11Am also at St. Martin de Porres. Burial and military honors will take place in Sterling- White Cemetery 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd. Highlands, TX 77562.

For more information or to send condolences online visit www.sterlingwhite.com