Monty Douglas Johnson, born April 8,1960, known to his friends and family as Doug or “Cowboy,” died August 9th at home in New Holland, Ohio, at the age of 61. Doug leaves behind his wife Patty, his daughter Jennifer, his horses Stella and Peep, and his dog Jasper. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis June, his father Monte, his half-brother Ben Wirtz, and his half-sister Charlene Johnson.
Doug grew up in Grove City, Ohio, and was a member of the High School Rodeo Association. He retired from Complete General Construction Company and was a member of the Laborers’ Local 423.
Doug’s passion was working with horses. Early in his life, he was an outrider at Beulah Park and for the past several years he was a trainer for John Osborne Performance Horses.
“You can see it in your mind. Him, leanin’ in the saddle with his ol’ hat on his head. Contentment set upon his face like blankets on a bed. The leather creaks a little as he shifts there in the seat. The bit chains give a jingle when his pony switches feet. And you somehow get the feelin’ that he’s sittin’ on a throne. A’gazin’ out on paradise just like it was his own.“-Baxter Black
The family will hold a memorial service at their earliest ability. Please contact jloycejohnson@gmail for details.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.
