Roll Call Tribute

Seaside Funeral Home obituary
4357 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
361-992-9411

Wendell C. Johnson
September 9, 1924 ~ March 21, 2017 (age 92)

Wendell Cloise Johnson, known by his loved ones and friends as “Chick” passed away April 21, 2017 in Corpus Christi. Our Chick was born September 9, 1924 to Harry and Esta Bailey Johnson in Casey, Illinois. They moved to McPherson Kansas in 1933. Chick enrolled at Kansas University September 1942, but was called to duty Feb, 1943. He completed aviation Cadet Training, earning his Wings as Aerial gunner at Las Vegas Army Air Field December 1943. In May 1944, he completed Navigator Training at Hondo Army Airfield, Texas and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Chick was assigned to a B-29 Super Fortress Bomber crew, October 1944. They flew a new B-29 to India including a pass over the Taj Mahal. They made many flights over the “Hump” to China. In May 1945 Chicks crew was the lead crew and led many bombing missions over targets in Japan. On August 14, 1945, the day Japan Surrendered, Chick’s crew flew one of the last combat missions of WWII. Celebrations ensued! During a 28-year Military Career, Chick was awarded two distinguished Flying Crosses, 4 Air Medals and many other awards and citations. April 1948, while stationed in in El Paso at Biggs AFB, he met and fell in Love with Arilla (Katie) Barnhill. A beautiful Texas gal who was destined to be his partner and wife for 59 years. Married 10-4-1947. Chick retired from the Air Force as Lt-Col July 1970, moving to Corpus Christi. Starting a second career as a Math/Science Teacher at South Park Junior High only a month after retiring. Becoming a teacher required him to earn a Master’s Degree at Texas A&I Kingsville. After 18 years teaching high school, he retired June 1987. Chick volunteered as an AARP Tax Aide counselor and provided free income tax assistance for 24 years. When Texas State Aquarium opened July 1990, he became a Charter Volunteer Guide, and for 13 years greeted visitors and introduced them to the unique marine life and habitats of the Texas Coast. Chick also volunteered as a Road to Recovery driver for the American Cancer Society. Joining St Johns United Methodist Church in 1970, he often served as an Usher. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife(Katie), stepmother(Ruth) and Sister Sarah He is survived by daughter(Vicki) and son(Harry) in CC, and son (Eric) in Littleton CO and two grandsons Brian and Nathaniel, and a granddaughter Emily in Sydney Australia.

In accordance with Chick’s wishes his ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30, April 8, 2017 at Seaside Memorial Park.