of England, AR
March 26, 1942 - May 28, 2017
Orelan Wade Johnson passed away May 28, 2017, on the hill where he was born, in Tomberlin, Arkansas in Lonoke County on March 26, 1942. His parents were Robert Edward Johnson and Mildred Elkins Johnson. He was a farmer and a member of The First Baptist Church of England, Arkansas.
Orelan was a third generation farmer, farming the land that has been worked by his family for 98 years, and continues to be by his 4th and 5th family generations. Orelan was acclaimed and award winning farmer. He was named, along with his family, as the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year for 2008, the 2009 Swisher Sweet Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year from Arkansas, and the Conservation Tillage Cotton Farmer of the Year for 2004. He was featured over the years in several national magazines, including National Conservation Tillage Digest. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, recently recognized as a 50 year member of the Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Joe, and one sister, Delores. Orelan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Tena Jordan Johnson, and their two children, Angela Johnson Ward (Scott), and Wade Johnson (Brandy) all of Coy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kirsten Johnson (Dennis Armijo), Chance Johnson (Meagan Morgan), Drew Johnson (Natalie Elmore), Rhett Ward and Rachel Ward. He was loved by a large extended family, as well. Orelan will be missed by the many farmers he has mentored over the years from throughout the community.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 P. M. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Roller England Funeral Home (501-842-3939). Funeral service will be at 1:00 P. M. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church in England. Burial will be in the Mulberry Cemetery by Roller England Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Orelan's name, which will be presented each year to an England High School graduate who intends to pursue an education and career in Agriculture. Donations may be made at either Bank of England branch in England.
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16 Condolence(s)
john and sara shaw
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Johnson family
we are so sorry for your loss. Always remember the good times
joy, laughter, fun, grins
thoughts and prayers are with you
john and sara shaw
Jessica Hepler
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Wade, Brandy and boys.. I am so sorry to hear this. I always got such joy of hearing the stories about your Dad that you and Bandy would share. Prayers for y'all. Love you all
Jessica Hepler
Faye Stewart
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tina & Family,
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Orelan. We grew up together at Coy. I know it is a very difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Allen Duck
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
I have the most respect for Mr O.J. all I can say is I know that I will miss him greatly and I am sure my dad will miss all of the talks they had. May the Lord hold up the family at this time of mourning.
LeAnn & Blake Travis
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Brandy & Wade - we are so sorry for your loss! Love yall!
Harvey and Allison Heck
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
He had to be an amazing man to have raised such an amazing daughter. We love you Angela!!
Prayers for you all,
The Heck family
Jimmy Bryant
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
I was very saddened to hear about Orelan's passing and my condolences go out to Tena, Angela, Wade and the entire Johnson family. When Orelan passed away we lost a good friend, a community leader, and one of Arkansas's best farmers. He was someone that my late father trusted and appreciated. I am very grateful to Orelan for all he has done for the Bryant family. He was a true leader in the agricultural community and was someone that was known for his honesty and integrity.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Bryant
Michelle Swain
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Mr. Orelan you will be missed. I had the pleasure of knowing you the past 3 years. You were full of wisdom and was a great member of your community. You loved your family, and I want them to know you made sure I knew how great they were.
Bob walker
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
He was a good friend as we attended college together a lot of ag. Classes didn't see and his family much after but saw good thing about them in ag, circles Tina wish you and family well. Bob
Greg & Stacy Charney
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Were so sorry to hear of Mr. Orelan's passing. He was a very special Man that touched so many lives.
Richards Honda Yamaha
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha
Jim Clevenger
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
I didn't know Orelan well, but he was always a very nice man. He will be missed.
Don and Trudy Hughes
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy our prayers are with all of your family.
Lynn Bowls
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Orelan was a special man and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Book-Ward
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Prayers for all the family.
Tena Church
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Always such a sweet man ... I pray your family can find peace for I know you are pain free now Much love to you Mr Orrelan & Family 💕â¤ï¸ May You REst in Peace