Earnest Edward Johnson

*** The Service For Mr. Earnest Edward Johnson will be streamed via our Facebook Page ( Biglow Funerals Inc. ) on "Facebook Live beginning at 12:00PM*** 

The link is provided below. https://www. facebook.com/Biglow-Funerals-Inc-365029870361957/

Earnest Edward Johnson was born on October 22, 1949, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to the late Collis Johnson and Ruby Sedell Ward Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death.

Earnest received his education in Okmulgee and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1967. A gifted student and accomplished athlete, he was widely admired by his classmates for both his academic excellence and athletic ability. He excelled in football and basketball, earning varsity letters in both sports. His outstanding academic record and athletic achievements earned him a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he pursued studies in Chemistry and Biology.

Later, Earnest relocated with his mother, sister, and brothers to Los Angeles, California. There, he continued his education at Southwest College. His passion and talent for basketball led him to become a respected high school basketball referee throughout the Los Angeles area. While he enjoyed sports, his greatest passion was fishing. He cherished the memories of fishing with his brothers during his childhood and carried that love throughout his life. After purchasing a boat, he could often be found heading to the lake in the early morning hours on his days off, enjoying the peace and solitude that fishing brought him.

It was while working at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center that Earnest met the love of his life, Ramona. Their relationship blossomed into a devoted marriage that lasted for 30 wonderful years, built on love, companionship, and unwavering commitment.

Earnest dedicated 42 years of distinguished service to the County of Los Angeles, where he served as a Contract Program Manager. His professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Upon retirement in 2022, Earnest and Ramona fulfilled their dream of relocating to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they embraced a peaceful and fulfilling retirement together.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents, Collis Johnson and Ruby Sedell Ward Johnson; his beloved sister, Carolyn Stitt; his cherished granddaughter, Kaylah Johnson; and his beloved aunt, Ollie Mae Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 30 years, Ramona Johnson; his son, Eric Johnson of Seaside, California; his brothers, Dr. Collis Johnson (Marsha) of Aurora, Colorado, and Franklin Johnson (MaryAnn) of San Francisco, California; his granddaughter, Kindall Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Kaden and Kameron; his nephews, Dr. Lawrence Stitt (Effie), Sean Stitt (Toni) of San Diego, California, Sean D. Stitt, Jr., Andre C. Stitt, Jonathan Johnson, MD (Crystal), and Franklin Johnson, Jr.; his nieces, Laura Johnson, whom he affectionately called his favorite youngest niece, and Rachael Iannuzzi (Joseph), his favorite oldest niece; his aunt, Truby Kay Pete (George); his grandnieces, Ashleigh J. Stitt, Isabella Johnson, Lilliana Johnson, Sofia Johnson, Isadora Iannuzzi, and Olivia Stitt; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his kindness, generosity, and quiet strength.

Earnest will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, loyal brother and uncle, faithful friend, and a man of unwavering character. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and enduring love for his family, sports, and the outdoors touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. We will forever hold his memory close in our hearts as we celebrate a life well lived and rejoice in the promise that he has joined his loved ones and our Heavenly Father in eternal peace.

Mr. Earnest Edward Johnson, formerly of Okmulgee and a Dunbar High School alumni, passed away on May 4, 2026 in Arkansas.

A Memorial Ceremony to reflect upon his life will commence on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at High Noon in The Chapel of Peace of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors Inc., of Okmulgee.

The Christian Committal of his ashes will immediately follow the services in the Vernon Cemetery near Vernon, Oklahoma.

You may order flowers:  (918)687-7574 lakelandflorist.com