Blake Johnson ’18
Blake Charles Johnson, 23, of Houston, TX, left this world for his heavenly home around 8pm on Friday, January 18th. Surviving are his parents Eric and Tamara Johnson, sister Paige Johnson, brother Mason Johnson, and the love of his life, fiancée Katrin Kelley, all of Houston, Texas. Also surviving are his grandparents Dave and Patt Rexroad of Springfield, IL, and Martha Fielding of Auburn IL, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceding him in death are Charles Johnson, his grandfather, and Peggy Rexroad, his great-grandmother.
Blake graduated from Hope College in the spring of last year with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. He began working at Lonewolf Petroleum in June as VP of Operations, quickly adapting to his new role. Blake was a member of the National Oil Recycler’s Association (NORA) and the Petroleum Club of Houston. While he reveled in the feeling of a job well done, Blake most enjoyed the relationships he was able to form with all of his business partners and colleagues.
Most importantly, Blake was a good man, who loved deeply, laughed often, and lived well. Although his life light only shone for a short time, it shone bright. Blake was a kind, gentle soul, whose smile lit up the room and made you feel instantly at ease. Lover of rap music, twerking (only to frustrate his mom), a good cigar, and a fine scotch, Blake’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation is Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711, from 11:30am-3:30pm with the funeral service following at 3:30pm. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Inn at 835, 835 South 2nd Street, Springfield, IL. 62704. The burial will be held in Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gogebic County Victim Services Unit at 100 W. Iron St, Bessemer, MI. 49911. They were a great help to the family in the time immediately following the accident.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev 21:4 (KJV)
“Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones.
May you continue to inspire us: To enter each day with a generous heart. To serve the call of courage and love, Until we see your beautiful face again In that land where there is no more separation, Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again.” -John O’Donohue