Orville Kenneth "Papoose" Johnson Obituary (1929 - 2018)

Orville Kenneth "Papoose" Johnson, 89, of Frederick, MD went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 29, 2018. He was born October 13, 1929 to the late Kenneth Johnson and Rachel Dorsey Johnson in Frederick. Papoose was given this nick name from his late mother due to her wrapping him up warm and tight like a "little papoose." A name which stuck with him for a lifetime. Papoose and his wife Jean Johnson, originally from York, PA, were married for 56 years. They traveled and spent quality time together and often entertained family and friends, hosting the first family reunion at their home. In later years, as a dedicated husband Papoose was pivotal in Jean's health and recovery, taking great effort and pride in her progress and care. Papoose graduated from Lincoln High School in Frederick. He later served seven years in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge. Papoose then worked and retired from the National Institute of Health (NIH). After retirement, he enrolled and graduated from the Culinary School in Hagerstown, MD, and later started his own catering business, OK Catering Service. Papoose was a devoted member of Asbury United Methodist Church and often said "his ear surgery was one of the worse things he had to go through, and once GOD saw him through, he made GOD number one in his life." After that, he never turned away from God and remained grounded in his faith. Papoose loved listening to jazz and had an appreciation for the works of Miles Davis. He also enjoyed stumping everyone with his rehearsed riddles and reading. He would often quote the works of Aristotle and Socrates. He liked talking for hours, sharing stories and tips on cooking and baking techniques. And on any given morning he could be found waving at drivers, while standing next to one of his beloved dogs. Orville is survived by: his son, Kenneth Johnson, wife Yolanda H. Johnson, of Louisville, KY; brother, Ricardo Johnson, of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Gloria Hallmon, of Catonsville, MD; grandchildren, Jasmine M. Johnson, Jason M. Johnson, of Louisville, KY, Hannah Johnson, and Emma Johnson, of Allentown, PA; daughter-in-law, Sue Johnson of Allentown, PA; sisters-in-law, Alice Smith, of Frederick, MD and Margaret Ogle, Baltimore, MD; devoted friend and companion, Stella Tyler; and a number of nieces, nephews and a host of family, friends and a church family who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Papoose was preceded in death by: his wife, Jean Johnson; son, Brett Johnson; brothers, Richard Smith and Lawrence Ogle; sister, May Chaney; and grandson, Kenneth Todd Johnson. Funeral services will be held Sat., Jan. 5, 2019, 11 AM at Asbury United Methodist Church, with public viewing at 9:30. The family will receive friends at 10 AM. Pastor Mark Groover will officiate.