Jon and I met in a church youth group at Pacific Hills Lutheran in Omaha. He was such a fun-loving kid and a character. And he had a Beatles haircut! We dated through high school at Westside High School in Omaha. His father was a Doctor, an OB in Omaha. Yes, Dr. Doolittle, so he had a nice new red Camaro. He loved that car, which he called “Betsy”.
I was younger than Jon and he “offered” to help me learn how to drive a stick on his beloved Betsy. It was dark, after youth group and in our neighborhood. I was chugging, killing the engine etc. and laughing. I was laughing because Jon was screaming and grabbing the dashboard and yelling, “My Betsy, my poor Betsy!” His reaction makes this my favorite story!
I went to college and he went to war. We wrote a lot of heartfelt letters. Toward the end, his letters became very sad and depressing; largely focusing on the illnesses they had and losing members and friends. In his last letter, which I received after his death, he stated that he wanted us to be married as soon as he got home, and if not he didn’t want to come home.
My heart was broken when he did not return. He fought hard and loved hard and I miss him every day. I have taken care of his grave since he died and sadly, I believe, I am the only one. I have lost track of his sister. I hope no one forgets that war and how hard our men fought. I know I will always remember that character in the Beatles haircut!
Written by Barb Johnson
I admire her longevity with her forever friend. The father, Dr Doolittle, was my mothers friend doctor, delivered her babies. I actually met Jon’s sister, Suzanne & been to thier house, back in 1974. Great family!
My beloved best friend Barbara Jean Johnson passed away suddenly in 2021, and never a day goes by that I do not remember all those years that she left the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day services at Omaha Memorial Park, and on her way home she took the time to stop by Jon’s grave site to leave a flag or a note. She made a promise years ago to the family that she would never forget her love for this great man, and his sacrifice, and she never did!
Rest in Peace Jon, Barb’s promise was kept, and you were always remembered!