Dr. Gilbert Eugene Johnson, Class of 1966 passed away on July 14, 2017. Dr. Johnson was born June 26, 1936 in Idabel, OK to Maggie Nunley and Talbert Johnson, Sr.

Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wiley College in Marshall, TX. Afterwards, he moved to Berkely, CA to attend the University of California. Soon after, he enrolled at Howard University College of Medicine and attained his medical degree.

Dr. Johnson was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, and a member of the Idabel Chapter of the Booker T. Washington, Slater and Riverside Alumni Club and the Grand Reunion planning committee.

He served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in Ft. Campbell, KY. He completed 27 jumps from aircrafts and played trumpet in the U.S. Army band. He completed his last year of active duty in the U.S. army in 1968.

Dr. Johnson began his medical career at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Huntington Park, CA in late 1968. In early 1970, he opened a private practice in Los Angeles, where he specialized in family medicine and acupuncture. He maintained his medical practice in Los Angeles for more than 30 years. He returned home to Idabel in 1996 where he opened a family medical practice. Dr. Johnson maintained his medical practice in Idabel until he retired in 2007.

Dr. Johnson was a scholar, lecturer, researcher and accomplished jazz musician. Above all, he was a compassionate and loving human-being. He also had a passion for art, organic gardening, gourmet cooking, and traveling abroad. He was an avid skier, having skied the slopes of Lake Tahoe, CA, Aspen, CO, and the beautiful, yet dangerous peaks of Switzerland.

Dr. Johnson began his Christian walk in the Methodist Church at an early age. He chose to worship at St. James CME Church at Idabel.

Dr. Johnson was a physician who genuinely cared about his patients, many of whom became his friends. He leaves behind a strong legacy through his family, friends, and patients.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his four children- Christopher Johnson (Cristina), Eric Wooten, Genevieve Johnson, and Gilbert Diasako Johnson; one sister- Gloria Hardaway; and two brothers- Talbert Johnson, Jr. and James Cole. He also leaves four grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.