Arvil T. Johnson (a.k.a. A.T. or Catfish) of Colbert, Oklahoma passed away at his home Friday, November 5th, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born in Durant, Oklahoma on October 26th, 1932 to John Franklin and Nellie Mae (Rider) Johnson and was the 5th of six children. He was an owner operator truck driver for many years before working and retiring from KFI, Sherman (formally Mrs. Tuckers, Anderson Clayton). Arvil loved singing church hymns, telling stories, camping, and fishing at Lake Texoma. In retirement, he and his wife kept busy working as volunteers for the Alzheimer Unit at WNJ Hospital and working part time for the Corp of Engineers at Lake Texoma as park monitors.


Arvil was married 58 years to his beautiful wife…Jennie Lou “Shepherd” Johnson of Durant, OK. After living in Oklahoma and Texas they settled back in their home state of Oklahoma at Colbert. Arvil and Jennie Lou had 4 children and were lovingly known as Papaw and Nannie by their 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.


Arvil is survived by his daughter Mary Lou Aykroid (husband Tom) of Carlsbad, CA, son Timothy Wade Johnson (wife Laura) of McKinney, TX, and son David Wyatt Johnson (wife Irene) of Colbert, OK. Grandchildren Jeannie Johnson Clark (husband Charlie) of Sherman, TX, Rachel Johnson Miller (spouse Jason) of Southport, FL, Jessica Aykroid of Carlsbad, CA, Amy Johnson Ahmad (husband Chris) of Loganville, GA, John Franklin Johnson (wife Jenna Lee) of Durant, OK, Casey Clapp of McKinney, TX, Jimmy Aykroid of Carlsbad, CA, and Kyle Johnson and fiance’ Jourdan Braun of McKinney, TX. Great-grandchildren Jessica Clark, Trent Miller, Taylor Clark, Mason Miller, Miles Watson, Colby Johnson, Collin Watson, Ashley Johnson, Luke Miller, Asher Ahmad, Emily Johnson, and Cora Ahmad. Great-great grandchild James Dean a.k.a “Bub” and their families.


Arvil was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Jeannie Arvilla Johnson, grandchild Crystal Marie Johnson, his parents, and siblings Leo, Opal, Cecil, Troyce and Rosa Nell.
The family visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 at the chapel of Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home in Durant, OK. The funeral will follow at 2:00 P.M. Pastor Joe Beshirs will present the eulogy. The family will have a private graveside gathering after the funeral.