Leonard Ross Johnson

Leonard Ross Johnson lived 71 years of a life of service to others through education, before he quietly slipped into the arms of his heavenly father at 8:45 PM, Saturday, February 20, 2010. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Monday, February 22 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday in the chapel at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, at the Kopperl Cemetery in Kopperl, Texas. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, William Sidney and Christine Johnson, two brothers, William Sidney Jr. (Pete) and Steve Johnson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Pat Johnson: a son Lindsey Robert Johnson of Abilene; a daughter Joanna Veigel and her husband Stephen Veigel of Houston; two beloved grandchildren, Kennedy and Cooper Veigel both of Houston; two brothers, Roger Johnson of Lovington, New Mexico and Harvey Johnson of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ross, along with his wife Pat, was active in their church "First Baptist of Abilene", where he served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was quiet by nature and thought before he spoke, a man of character and integrity. He was the cornerstone that his family counted on. In 1960 he graduated with his Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University. In 1965 he graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters degree. He was the Registrar for Hill Junior College, in Hillsborough Texas, as he completed his Doctorate in Education from Baylor University in Waco in 1971. In 1975, he and his family moved to Abilene where he served as a Senior Vice-President, Dean of Students and Athletic Director of Hardin-Simmons University for 20 years. It was his pleasure and joy to serve the students he worked with. He was a caring man who was devoted to his wife, children and friends. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He delighted in preparing gourmet meals for his loved ones. His words were carefully thought out, infused with wisdom. He was proud of his rural ranching heritage and held himself to high standards. He spoke with great fondness of riding horseback in the west Texas sand hills as a child. He felt that his word was his bond but was understanding of the short comings of others. Words cannot express the hollowness which he leaves behind, he will be missed by his family and all who loved him. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be made to the Ross and Patricia Johnson Education Scholarship fund at Hardin Simmons University.