Ricky L. Johnson

Ricky “Jack” Johnson, of New Braunfels, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 66.

Jack was born on November 25, 1959, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Wayne and Joy Johnson. From an early age, he carried the grit, conviction, and restless drive that would define his life.

In 1985, he met the love of his life, Lori, at church in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He fell fast and fully, and they were married on November 30, 1986, surrounded by family and friends. That same year, Jack entered the United States Air Force intending to become a pilot. Instead, he was recruited into Special Operations — a testament to both his ability and his courage. From 1986 to 1989, Jack and Lori were stationed in the Philippines, where they welcomed their first child, Casey.

Jack served his country during Desert Storm in 1991 before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Education at York Christian University in Nebraska. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Fort Morgan, Colorado, where their second child, Kensey, was born.

In 1993, the family relocated to Lubbock, Texas, where Jack found what many would call his true calling: education. He was not a conventional teacher. He believed deeply in reaching the students who others overlooked — the ones who didn’t fit neatly inside a system. He saw potential where others saw problems, and he refused to give up on kids who had been given up on before. In 1996, they welcomed their third child, Kaitlinn.

While raising three children, Jack earned his Master’s degree in Management from Lubbock Christian University and stepped into the role of Principal in 1997. As a school leader, he was unwavering. He stood up for students who needed an advocate and made decisions based on what was right, not what was easy.

Jack lived many lives in one lifetime. He was a cattle rancher, solider, teacher, principal, landman, business owner, and in his later years, a master woodworker. Whatever season he was in, he committed to it fully. He did not do anything halfway.

A devoted follower of Christ, Jack never missed an opportunity to worship, no matter where in the world he was on a Sunday morning. He was dry-humored, stubborn in the best and worst ways, fiercely principled, and endlessly curious. He restored classic cars, collected antique firearms, raced cars for pink slips in his younger days, and read widely — from philosophy to World War II history. If he loved something, he dove into it completely.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lori Johnson; his children, Casey Johnson, Kensey Johnson, and Kaitlinn Johnson; his mother, Joy Johnson; his sister, Saundra Galloway; his brother, David Johnson; his sister-in-law, Terri Johnson; his daughter-in-law, Karlyn Johnson; his sons-in-law, Caden Rosenbaum and Josh Johnson; and his three grandchildren, Riley, Nathaniel, and Ruthy Johnson.

Jack will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, at Shelter #2 on March 20 at 10:15 a.m., beside his father, Wayne Johnson. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at New Braunfels Church of Christ on March 21 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jack’s honor to Paws for Purple Hearts, an organization that provides service animals for veterans living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — a cause close to his heart.

Jack was the kind of man who showed up. He defended the underdog, stood by his convictions, and quietly carried the weight of responsibility for those he loved. He will be deeply missed, but the mark he left — on his family, his students, and his community — will endure.