Thomas Earl Johnson, in his 86th year, transitioned to eternal rest on December 24, 2022, in Muskogee following an extended illness. Thomas was born on July 28, 1936, in Clarksville, Oklahoma to the late Elbert and Hazel (Marshall) Johnson. Growing up in Clarksville and Muskogee, Thomas attended Wheatley School and Manual Training High School graduating with the Class of 1955.

On May 2, 1957, Thomas married Helen Davis in Muskogee.  The couple lived for a brief time in Kansas City, Missouri before returning to Muskogee and raising five children: Robert, Bernadine, Deborah, Tommye and Angela. Thomas worked for Star Printery, the Manhattan Building and OG&E until his retirement. Thomas loved baseball, watching boxing and racing greyhounds in his early adulthood.

Thomas was a good and unselfish man who loved the Lord, his wife and family while often putting others before himself. Thomas also maintained a close relationship with his brother Cedric and was a supportive uncle to his many nephews and nieces. Thomas was baptized at an early age at Old Agency Baptist Church and later reaffirmed his faith as a member of Dean's Chapel Baptist Church.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Hazel Johnson; sister, Bernadine Green; daughter, Deborah Elaine Evans; and, granddaughter, Shana Elaine Simmons. Left to cherish many wonderful memories are his loving wife of 65 years, Helen; son, Dr. Robert C. Johnson (Earline), Muskogee, OK; daughters, Bernadine Parker (James Jr.), Oxnard, CA; Tommye K. Johnson, Memphis, TN; and Angela Johnson (Cecil), Tulsa, OK; brother, Cedric Johnson, Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, Robert C. Johnson, Jr., DeAndrea Billings, Brett Johnson, Christopher and Roderick Simmons; Nia, Jasmine and James Parker, III; Quincy Evans, Mark Temple, Jr., Dorothy Bernadine and Stella Marie Piercy; and several great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and friends.

Visitation for Thomas will be Friday, December 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Muskogee Chapel.  A celebration of Thomas' life will be held Saturday, December 31, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Rayfield Baptist Church, 601 Indianapolis St., with Rev. Leroy Walker, Sr. as host Pastor and Rev. Cleo Maurice Baccus delivering the eulogy.  Burial will be Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Booker T. Washington Cemetery.