L. B. Johnson

L. B. “Buford” Johnson, 89, of Cedar Creek passed away Monday, January 28, 2013, in an Austin hospital. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 2, at Richland Cemetery in Mertens with Rev. Darren Heil officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 1, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Burford was born on September 25, 1923 in Oakdale, Louisiana to Nathaniel and Marie (Miller) Johnson. He grew up and attended schools in Louisiana. Prior to entering the United States Navy, he moved with his family to Port Arthur.

Following his tour of duty during WWII, he married Wilma Louise Ballew on April 13, 1946 in Mertens and she preceded him in death on November 18, 2011. After marriage, the couple lived in Texas and Louisiana while he was employed with Sun Oil, before they settled in Cuero for a number of years. After living in Mertens for a few years, they moved to Fort Worth until his retirement from General Dynamics and then returned to Mertens.

Buford loved fishing and dancing. A lifetime member of the American Legion, he was also of the Baptist faith.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Carrie Sikora; sister, Helen Richards; brother, Robert L. Johnson; and grandson, Cory Sikora.

Survivors include his daughter, Wanda Walton and husband, Ken, of Columbus, OH; son-in-law, James Sikora of Fort Worth; sister, Nita Bertrand of Lake Charles, LA; aunt, Elsie Mae Peveto; 8 grandchildren, Atresa Gowan, Maria Gowan, Christopher Gowan, Nina Sikora, Kevin Sikora, Cody Sikora, Michael Walton, and Barbara Fuller; 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation

6:00 - 8:00 P.M. ,Friday, February 1, 2013
Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro
2495 Corsicana Hwy. Hillsboro, TX 76645

Graveside Service

1:00 P.M. ,Saturday, February 2, 2013
Richland Cemetery
Mertens, TX