Dr. Barry L. Johnson

Funeral Services for Dr. Barry L. Johnson, age 80, of Ruston, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston.

Officiating will be Rev. Marty Jacobsen under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Interment to follow in Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens in Ruston. Visitation will be Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 10-11 a.m., at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel.

Barry L. Johnson was born January 27, 1943, in Tilden, Nebraska, to Elden D. and Marjorie (Fields) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at The Evangelical and Reformed Church in Tilden.

He attended both grade and high school there, graduating in 1961. He excelled in football, basketball, and track, as well as academics. Barry was crowned Homecoming King as a senior.

He attended Doane University, in Crete, Nebraska, and was a 1969 graduate of Southern School of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. There, he would meet his future wife, Ruth Baker. They made their home in Ruston, where he began and maintained his optometry practice until his retirement.

Barry enjoyed their beautiful home and caring for the yard, and its many plantings. Antiquing was a big part of his life and they both enjoyed adding to their many “treasures.” Barry was active in his community with his volunteer work, weekly bible studies, and serving on boards, and in various organizations.

He and Ruth loved cruising and made many travel friends over the years. Barry loved people, and so enjoyed opening their home to their many friends for dinner parties and front porch socializing.

Barry is survived by his brother, Gerald, and wife Kathy, of Fremont, Nebraska; nephews, Jeffrey Johnson and his children Jacob, Samuel and Olivia, Dr. Joel Johnson and his wife Kelli and their children Jared, Andrew, Grant, and Matthe; niece, Dr. Erin Johnson Krogman and her husband Ryan and their children Mason, Weston, Kyle, Karlee, and Caden; sister-in-law, Joanne Naylor; in addition to many true and faithful friends.

Pallbearers will be Jackie Archer, Bobby Conville, Jr., Robert Temple, John Shirley, Danny Carroll, and Ty Storms. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Johnson, Dr. Joel Johnson, Dr. Erin Krogman, Bernie Johnson, and Henry Roane.

Our special thanks to all those who cared for Barry throughout his journey and provided him comfort, love, and support at Alpine and Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www. kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.