Buford Johnson

Buford Johnson peacefully passed to be with our Lord on February 25, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Buford was the eldest child to Joseph Johnson and Alice McCuin born on October 23, 1917 in Perrington,Texas. Raised in New Mexico, he grew up with very little and only had a third grade education. As a teenager he worked the Civilian Conservation Corps. He married Virginia Gallegos on in 1941 in Sapello, New Mexico.

Buford lived and worked in New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Texas. He had various jobs through out his life; working the mines, the railroad,fence-mending, ranch-hand, ship-yard's, welder, cattle & sheep-herder and irrigation. Buford use to say " I can work on any damn ranch, and do any of it." He moved to Denver,Colorado 25 years ago to live with his daughter Darlene and son in law Vincent. Breakfast was Buford's favorite meal of the day, especially toast loaded with bacon and jelly. He loved to dance, socialize and was quite the flirt with the ladies. He adored his family and he could be found either watching old westerns, telenovela's or reading. Once Buford was asked what his secret was to turning 101, he stated "well it's not always easy. I can't tell you how to grow old, but if you last long enough you'll get old. There is no secret to it, just gotta be tough."

A Veteran of WWII, Private First Class Johnson served in the US Army from 1943-1945 as a half track driver, gunner driver and convoy driver in France and Germany. He fought and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. Buford received an Honorable Discharge in 1945 and was awarded The Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Germany Clasp, Combat Infantry Badge, First Award Marksman Badge-Expert, Sharpshooter with the Marksman clasp and WWII Honorable Service Lapel . He belonged to the VFW; 15 years. American Legion; 67 years and G.I. Forum; 20 years. When Buford was asked about his military service he once stated "he had said he was ready to serve because it was for his country." On February 23, 2017 Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed February 23rd Buford Johnson Day in honor of his admirable service to his country.

Buford Johnson is preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Alice. As well as brothers and sisters Edna, Stony, Irving, Viola, Rita Bessie, Peggy, former wife Virginia and great grandson Adam. Buford Johnson is survived by his daughter Darlene Ortega (Vincent Ortega) & son Ernesto Johnson. Along with 10 grandchildren ;7 step grandchildren, 13 great-Grandchildren;16 step great- grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family thanks all our family and friends of their expressions of love & all other acts of kindness at the passing of our dear loved one.May God bless each of you. The most sincerest thank you to University Hospital (especially their nursing staff), VA Dr. Bourg, Patsy Gallegos, Rose Romero-Young and Yesenia Hull.

Thank God for my soul's resting,
Thank God for I've been blessed,
Thank God for all who loved me,
Praise God who loved me best.