Nov. 25, 1936 ~ Jan. 22, 2022
“Well done, good and faithful servant… come and share in your Master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:21).
Mervin Carl Johnson, longtime resident of Meeker, passed away Jan. 22, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a lengthy illness. He was 85.
Merv was born in Montrose, Colorado, on Nov. 25, 1936, to Carl and Ernestine (Gardner) Johnson. He was raised in Montrose. While in high school he met Ruth Madden; her committed faith had a profound impact on Merv and he accepted Christ at age 17. Merv and Ruth graduated from Montrose High School in 1955 and were married that fall. Three children were born to them over the next seven years.
Called by God to full-time Christian ministry, Merv studied at Intermountain Bible College in Grand Junction. While a student he served as summer preacher in Riverton, Wyoming. Beginning in 1960 Merv and Ruth served Christian churches in Delta, Colorado; Craig, Colorado; and Dillon, Montana.
In 1986, Merv accepted the preaching position at Meeker Christian Church. Ruth worked at Meeker Drug and then Pioneers Hospital until her death in 1997. Although he officially retired in 2002, Merv continued to serve Meeker and surrounding communities. He still preached regularly and officiated many weddings and funerals for generations of northwest Colorado families. His preaching style was simple and focused on practical application of biblical truth. He was also renowned for his sense of humor and storytelling.
Merv had many other interests and hobbies. He bred and trained several quarter horses. He did private contract carpentry in Meeker for nearly a decade. He enjoyed working on cars and once converted a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle into a flatbed “truck.” As an amateur gunsmith Merv built several firearms. He was active in various leadership roles with the Meeker Sportsmen’s Club and for many years coordinated the organization’s Sight-In Days before each hunting season.
Merv’s teenage interest in art was rekindled in his middle-adult years, resulting in a number of oil paintings illustrating his interest in animals and the beauty of God’s creation. One of his favorite pastimes later in life was making regular trips to see and photograph wild horses in the Sand Wash Basin northwest of Maybell.
Merv Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 41 years, Ruth; and his brother Elvin. He is survived by three children: daughter Carlina Duggan of Northglenn, Colorado; son M.C. Johnson (wife Joan) of Pineville, Montana; and son Scott Johnson (wife Holly) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Merv’s family suggests that memorial gifts be directed to Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, Kansas [mccks.edu].
The family is conducting a private graveside service and burial at Grand View Cemetery in Montrose. A public memorial service will be planned for May 2022, with details to come.
