David C. Johnson was born on May 3, 1927, in Trinity, Texas, to Reba and Cliff Johnson. He graduated from Trinity High School with the class of 1944, and was the last remaining class member. Three days before his 18th birthday, he was to report to the Army recruiting office. Instead, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Navy Amphibious Forces. After serving as an F1C for two years, he was discharged in 1946. While working for Hughes Oil Tool Company, he attended the University of Houston studying Sociology and Adult Psychology. He then enrolled at Sam Houston State University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degrees. When he was at Sam Houston, he met the love of his life, Mary Rose Weaver. She had just graduated from Ball High School and was working toward her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees as well. They were married on February 17, 1951.

In 1949, as soon as vehicles became available, David bought a 1950 Chevrolet one ton truck. This was used to help put him through college, as well as Mary Rose and one of her sisters. David transported cattle, hauled watermelons, and helped dismantle and move a German prisoner of war camp from Walker County to Houston.

David and Mary Rose moved to Carthage in 1953, and he began teaching at the High School. He established the first Industrial Arts program and remained there for eight years. He also co-founded the Junior Engineering Technology Society, or JETS club, with Coach Red Willis. David and Mary Rose became members of the First United Methodist Church. He became a Sunday School teacher and served as a Sunday School Superintendent for more than 25 years. He served on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees, and was very much involved in the first major remodeling of the sanctuary. Everyone who knew David knew he loved the Lord and his family.

In 1961, David accepted a management position with a secondary and college level textbook publishing company, serving as their National Field Manager and retired in 1999. He was well known and respected across the United States in the textbook publishing community, establishing many lifelong friends through his work.

During his time serving on the Carthage School Board, David was involved with the construction of a K-1 building, the High School Complex and the Administration Building. He was also a member of the Carthage Noon Lion's Club.

David was a member of the Masonic Lodge, joining after he returned from the service. He tried to join earlier, but had to wait until he was 21 years old. He was a member for over 70 years, and was also a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite and Eastern Star.

David joined the Sharon Shrine in 1962, as a Charter Member. He was an active member of the Mounted Patrol for most of those years, helping support the Shrine Hospitals for children. He hauled his horses and Mary Rose across the United States and into Canada twice, competing in Shrine State and International competitions as well as participating in parades and rodeos. Many lifelong friends were also formed as a result of his Masonic and Shrine associations.

David enjoyed hunting in the Texas Hill Country and red snapper fishing 30 and 60 miles out into the Gulf. He enjoyed his horses, mules, and cattle, and especially enjoyed roping with his friends, most of whom were former students.

David taught all three of their children how to ride a horse when they each reached five years of age. This led to many, many years of traveling and hauling horses for them to compete in rodeos, horse shows and riding clubs. At one point, one of his horses got sick and was shipped to Texas A&M University for diagnosis and treatment. At this time, David had three kids, his wife, and a horse in college, and often said retirement wasn't anywhere in his immediate future.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 70 years Mary Rose, and son Bruce. Survivors include his son David A. Johnson and wife Charlene, daughter Margaret and fiancé Randy Moore, grandchildren Amanda Howell and husband Bud, Lisa Boyce and husband Aaron, Bruce Johnson, Jr. and wife Darcy, David A Johnson, Jr. and fiancée Sarah Gill, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at First Methodist Church in Carthage with Rev. Kevin Otto officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment with Masonic Rites will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Ronnie LaGrone, Daryl Atkinson, James Crittenden, John Atchley, David A. Johnson, Jr., and Bruce K. Johnson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Robbie Evans, John Rittenberry, Wayne Pierce, Henry Evans, Vernon Swope, Bill Peace, and Billy Bush.

Donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, the First Methodist Church, Carthage, or any charity of your choosing.

A guestbook may be signed at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.