Lawrence Eugene Johnson's Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Johnson
September 21, 1929 – November 20, 2025
Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Johnson, age 96, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. Born on September 21, 1929, in Cambria, Iowa, Larry was the son of James "Fred" Frederick and Ruby Opal (Powell) Johnson.
Larry graduated from Humeston High School in Humeston, Iowa, and continued his education at the State University of Iowa (now the University of Iowa), where he was elected to Phi Eta Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi, honorary fraternities at S.U.I. After earning his degree, Larry successfully passed the CPA exam on his first attempt—a testament to his dedication and intellect.
On June 10, 1955, Larry married the love of his life, Darlene Margaret (Holdsworth) Johnson, in Manilla, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and family. Larry enjoyed a distinguished career with Arthur Young, which later became Ernst & Young, retiring in 1995 after decades of service.
Larry proudly served his country as a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War, working in the Counterintelligence Corps from May 1951 to May 1953 before continuing his service in the U.S. Army Reserve. His sense of duty and patriotism remained a cornerstone of his life.
Throughout the years, Larry lived in Humeston and Iowa City, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City; and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was deeply involved in his community as a 50-year member and past president, and State Treasurer, of the Lions Club, in Broken Arrow and Downtown Tulsa, earning the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was also a life member of the Indian Territory Gun Collectors Association, a member of LifeChurch South Tulsa, and participated in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa Citizens Police Academy programs.
Larry was an accomplished author, writing Japanese Bayonets: The Definitive Work on Japanese Bayonets 1870–Present, and was a passionate collector of military memorabilia. His knowledge and enthusiasm for history were unmatched.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James "Fred" Frederick and Ruby Opal Johnson; his beloved wife, Darlene Margaret Johnson; and his brother, James DeWayne Johnson. Larry is survived by his children: Debra Johnson; Brad and wife Jeanette Johnson; Kent and wife Dawn Johnson; and Scot Johnson. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Courtney and husband Matthew Horn; Conner and wife Ashley Johnson; Cameron and wife Ashley Johnson; Brian and wife Connie Johnson; Amber and husband John McMican; and Blake Johnson; along with 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to DAV Charity Service Trust at https://donate.givedirect.org. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who shared in Larry’s life—he was blessed to have you, just as you were blessed to have him.
"Grief is the price we pay for love." —Queen Elizabeth II
Isaiah 54:10 (ESV):
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
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