Terry Johnson

OGALLALA, NE. - Terry Johnson, 83, of Ogallala, passed away on March 25, 2025, at Ogallala Community Hospital, surrounded by family.

Terry was born July 3, 1941, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Clarence and Ruth (Hinton) Johnson. He was the firstborn of five children. The family moved to a farm south of Farnam when Terry was young, relocating to nearby Eustis after Terry's dad bought the John Deere dealership. Terry graduated from Eustis High School with the class of 1958 and subsequently attended Kearney State College before returning home to work for his dad and uncle Gene. Terry served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, entering in 1964 and working in the Signal Corps with the First Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One. He lived by their motto, "Do it now, do it well." Following his discharge in 1966, Terry finished his education at Kearney, graduating in 1972 with a business degree.

Terry was united in marriage to Gwen Marilyn Nelson on July 23, 1972, at Dalton, Nebraska. The couple lived in Lexington, where Terry worked with his dad in Eustis. They moved to Grand Island when he joined the IRS. He was transferred to North Platte in 1975, where they welcomed twin daughters, Darcy and Mandy (1976). The IRS moved them to Scottsbluff. In 1978, they moved to Ogallala where Terry bought a small accounting firm and later welcomed their third daughter, Kacey (1982). He was born to be a girl dad and instilled in his daughters to love God, love people and lead with a servant heart. He never said "no" to a new pet request from his girls.

Terry was a faithful and active member of the Methodist Church and raised his family in the Christian faith. He loved volunteering to drive the bus for many church and community events.

Throughout his professional career, he was dedicated to his clients and his work, building deep and meaningful relationships over the many years and across the state.

Terry gave decades of civic service to his community, which he truly loved. He served for years on the Keith County Economic Development Board, Ogallala Chamber of Commerce (including as president), Ogallala Drovers, and the Community Redevelopment Authority. Terry was a devoted advocate for local beautification and served 20 years on the Make Ogallala Beautiful Board and earned the Fred Arterburn Civic Beautification Award for his efforts. He was instrumental in the early efforts in funding Ogallala's new hospital and currently served as treasurer of the Hospital Authority Board. He also oversaw the finances for the Cattleman's Ball in 2013.

Terry was active in Optimist International, serving as president of the local chapter, lieutenant governor of the district, and being named District Optimist of the Year in 1989-90 and State Optimist of the Year in 1991. Optimist fireworks sales led his children and grandchildren to a love of annual fireworks celebrations and oftentimes recruited them to work. As an Eagle Scout himself, he supported numerous local youth scouting and 4-H initiatives. In his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering for the Soap Box Derby.

Despite his many public roles, Terry remained humble, generous, and faithful. He took special pride in watching his kids and grandchildren grow and absolutely relished the time spent with his family. He really enjoyed guy time and an occasional beer with his sons-in-law. He loved farming, gardening, bowling, hunting, trap shooting, sudoku puzzles, sports, and John Deere tractors. He loved mowing and spent countless hours mowing all over Ogallala, including Humphrey's Pond.

Terry and Gwen shared almost 53 wonderful years together. They loved traveling together, whether it was a quick trip to see their kids and grandkids or a cross-country road trip in the black truck. They also loved scouting out local joints to grab a quick bite!

In recent years, he was a physical warrior defying all odds and literally allowing nothing to slow him down. He showed grit and perseverance and always maintained his sense of humor. He could often be spotted around town on his trusty red scooter doing business, visiting friends and buying radishes.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Doug Johnson; sister, Carolyn Bluel; brothers-in-law, Bob Schwenk and Denis Bluel; and many valued family, friends and colleagues over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen Johnson of Ogallala; daughters, Darcy Johnson of Fremont, Mandy (Dave) LeTexier of Fremont, and Kacey (Kent) Koch of Grand Island; grandchildren, Mallory, Brycen, and Liam Lackey, Scarlett, Eleanor, and Vivian Koch, Erin (Dan) Holt and Taylor LeTexier; great-grandchildren, Avery and Alden Holt: siblings, Barbara Schwenk of Arvada, Colorado, Scott (Deb) Johnson of Casa Grande, Arizona and Sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson of Houston, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Corey Jenkins officiating. Lunch will be served at Front Street after the service. Interment will be at a later date at the East Cemetery in Eustis during a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the intent to support community causes that were near and dear to Terry's heart. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.