Glen Lavern Johnson

In Loving Memory of Glen Lavern Johnson

Glen Lavern Johnson, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful servant of God, and passionate minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 9, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, at the age of 93. His life was a beautiful testimony of faith, prayer, love, and unwavering dedication to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

Born on June 29, 1933, in Platte County, Missouri, to Arthur Lee Johnson and Jennie Mae Williams, Glen grew up in Pleasant Valley, Missouri and attended Liberty High School. From his early years, his life would be shaped by a deep faith in God and a heart for serving others. He went on to attend William Jewell College, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his master's degree. His desire to communicate the Gospel across cultures also led him to study at a language institute in Costa Rica, where he became fluent in Spanish.

Glen's life was marked by an extraordinary calling to ministry. He faithfully served as a pastor in Paradise, Missouri; Newark, Texas; and New Burnam, Illinois, before answering God's call to international missions. Under appointment with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Glen devoted 33 years of his life to missionary service in Argentina.

Argentina became a place of deep ministry and lasting impact for Glen and his family. With an evangelist's heart and an unwavering love for Jesus, he shared the message of salvation with the people he encountered and helped establish numerous churches in cities throughout the country. His ministry extended far beyond preaching from a pulpit. Glen personally helped build many church buildings, creating places where people could gather to worship, grow in faith, and hear the Word of God. Each church represented more than a building; it was a place of hope, fellowship, and the enduring promise of God's love.

Yet, perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to remember Glen is through his devotion to prayer. Glen was a man of prayer. If he knew you, he would pray for you. Prayer was not simply something he did; it was an expression of how deeply he cared for others and how completely he trusted the Lord. He carried people in his heart and brought their needs before God. Whether serving in ministry, building relationships, encouraging a friend, or sharing the Gospel with someone he had just met, Glen sought to point others toward Jesus. His faith was not confined to a church or a mission field. It was woven into the very fabric of his daily life.

Above all his accomplishments and years of ministry, Glen treasured his family. He shared 74 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Rayella Bounds Johnson. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, commitment, and service to the Lord. Their marriage stands as a remarkable testimony to enduring love and the grace of God through every season of life. Rayella was his cherished companion through the many joys, sacrifices, challenges, and blessings of their shared journey.

Glen was a loving father to Dennis Johnson (Mary), Debra Purefoy (George), Kenneth Johnson (Liliana), and Paula Goodman (Jason). He leaves behind a family whose lives have been shaped by his love, his example, his prayers, and his steadfast faith. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each representing another generation of the family he loved so dearly. His legacy will continue through them—not only in the memories they hold, but also in the faith, compassion, and love he modeled throughout his life.

Glen was one of eight siblings, sharing his childhood and family history with Alvin Johnson (Leticia) and Judy Gove (Larry), who survive him. He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings Victor (Joyce), Gary (Charlene), Juanita Weber (Bill), Norman (Mary), Joanna (Frank), and Dale. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee Johnson and Jennie Mae Williams.

Those who knew Glen will remember a man whose heart was set on eternal things. He understood that life was an opportunity to serve God, love people, and share the hope found in Jesus Christ. His years in ministry, the churches he helped establish, the buildings he helped construct, the lives he touched in Argentina, and the countless prayers he offered on behalf of others are all part of a legacy that will continue long after his earthly journey has ended.

Though his family and friends grieve his passing, they do not grieve without hope. Glen's faith was rooted in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and the same Savior he faithfully proclaimed to others is the One in whom he placed his trust. The words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8 beautifully reflect the life he lived: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

What a blessing it is to imagine Glen now in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words every faithful servant longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Glen's earthly ministry has ended, but the seeds of faith he planted will continue to grow in the lives of his family, the churches he helped establish, and the many people who were blessed by his prayers, his witness, and his love. His life reminds us that a legacy is not measured only by what we build with our hands, but by the lives we touch, the faith we share, and the love we leave behind.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, surviving siblings, extended family, and countless friends and fellow believers whose lives were touched by his ministry.

Until we meet again in the presence of our Lord, may Glen's life continue to remind us to pray faithfully, love deeply, serve humbly, and share Jesus wherever God leads us. His journey of faith is complete, his work on earth is finished, and his eternal home is secure in Christ.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 (KJV)