Johnson III, John Downing

Surname Index
Updated: 20 Mar 2009

Daily Oklahoman, The
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
July 30, 2006 page 26A

It is with deep sadness that the loving family of John Downing Johnson III announces his passing. Downing was born August 15, 1927, to John Downing Johnson, Jr., and the former Mary Elizabeth Dickinson in Kansas City, MO. The family moved to Topeka, KS in 1934, then to Tulsa, OK later that year. He was a graduate of Oklahoma Military Academy, class of 1945, Claremore, OK. He joined his parents in Ponca City in 1946 in the family business, Soft Water Services. Downing participated in leadership training through the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and earned many local and state awards, including the Distinguished Service Award at age 22. He continued to build the family business which later became Quality Water Services. He became president of the company after his father's death in 1965. In 1995 he sold the business to son Kelly Johnson, making Kelly the third generation in the business. Downing retired after 50 years, but remained CEO.

On January 19, 1952, he and the former Phyllis Westberg were married at the First Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of four sons, Bruce, Greg, Reid, and Kelly. During his sons' younger years he was active as a leader of Boy Scout Troop #3 at the First Presbyterian Church. Bruce was awarded with God & Country, and Kelly achieved Eagle Scout. Downing served as a deacon of the Church for 13 years and trustee for four years.

Phyllis preceded him in death in April, 1997. Downing was a 50 year member of the Chamber of Commerce, 50 year Mason and 50 year member of the Ponca City Local Knights of Templar, and the Water Quality Association. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, Past President of Ponca City Jaycees and past president of the YMCA. He was a charter member of the Pioneer Rotary in which he was active for 40 years. In 2003 Downing was presented with the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award. He received a lifetime achievement award at the International Water Quality Association national convention in Las Vegas for his contribution to the industry. In May of 2006 he was awarded with the Eco Water Lifetime Achievement Award.

On September 20, 1997 he married the former Carole Didlake at Grace Episcopal Church. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife Carole of the home, his four sons Bruce and wife Donna of Norman; Greg of Ponca City; Reid of Ponca City; and Kelly and wife Cheryl of Ponca City. Grandchildren are Barry Johnson of Norman, Leslie Lambert of Arkansas City, KS; Teigh Johnson of Ponca City; and Alex Meadows of Ponca City; his brother Superior Judge Charles Johnson of Norman; great grandchildren Kylee and Konnor; as well as four step-children, Paul Didlake of Ponca City; Kerin Miller of Broken Arrow; Russell Didlake of Ponca City; and Mardi Didlake Gates of Seattle, WA and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, grandson Corey Burgell, and grandson Jordan Johnson. A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 109 N. 13th, Ponca City, on Monday, July 31, at 2pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Grace Episcopal Church or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union, Ponca City, OK.

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Contributed by Marti Graham, July 2007. Information posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.

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