Arthur Hollis Johnson, 71, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 25, 2011 at his home.

Art Johnson was born Feb. 11, 1939 in Nevada City, CA, eldest son of John Gilbert and Eileen (Wingo) Johnson, and was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Arthur Harrison Johnson, Emma Kristina Kristensen Johnson, Hollis True Wingo, and LaVerna Jones Wingo. Art is survived by his brother, Sid Johnson and wife, Becky, of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Misty Eileen and her husband, Andy Fisher, of Austin, TX; daughter, Diana Kay and her husband, Paul Cox, of Spring, TX; niece, Toni and husband, Joe Rogero, of Beaverton, OR; nephew, Jay Johnson of Tucson, AZ; as well as six grandchildren (of whom he was very proud): Austin Cox, Juliana Cox, Kathryn Fisher, Ryan Cox, Charisa Cox, and Anna Fisher. Art also remained in contact with many beloved cousins and will be fondly remembered by friends in Odessa, TX and Carlsbad, NM.

Art Johnson moved to Carlsbad, NM, with his parents in 1941. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1957. He helped lead the Cavemen to victory in football and track events. Art attended NM Tech and several electronics schools.

Drafted in the Army in 1962, Art was an electronics instructor while stationed at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. His talent for football was credited with keeping him stateside to coach the base's football team. Upon an honorable discharge, Art spent several years in Carlsbad with his young family until work took him to Odessa, TX. He spent much of the next 30 years in Odessa, working in sales, marketing, and reclamation for various, oilfield-related companies. Art returned to Carlsbad about ten years ago to care for his parents. He cared for them night and day, enabling them to live out most of their days at home.

Art will be remembered by family and friends for his gift of hospitality, humor, dancing, and cooking. He spread smiles and good food wherever he went. His jokes put a smile on your face, and "King Arthur's" food put a smile in your tummy. He loved to cook for groups, large and small, including the American Legion in Odessa, TX, and other fundraisers or just plain fun events. Art also enjoyed fishing on the Pecos River and playing cards with friends, and he was active with the local Elks Lodge #1558.

Graveside services for Arthur Johnson were held Saturday,Sunset Gardens Memorial Park. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors.

Honorary Pallbearers were Sid Johnson, Jay Johnson, Andy Fisher, Paul Cox, Austin Cox, Ryan Cox, Phil Porter and all of his good buddies in Carlsbad.