It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of John Johnson, retired Turlock Police Chief, on November 1, 2024. He was 84 years old.
Chief Johnson was born on January 26, 1940, in Merced, California to John and Vernie (Bunnie) Johnson and spent most of his life in Delhi. He attended Delhi Grammar Schools and graduated from Livingston High School in 1958.
It was during his senior year that he and Socorro (Carol Torres) met and became high school sweethearts. They were married on November 15th, 1958, and lived a short time in Turlock, then Snelling before settling in Delhi where they raised their six children.
In his early years, he worked for The Grange Company, raising turkeys, before going to work for Woody’s Poultry Supply where he built chicken houses along side some of his friends and relatives.
In 1967 John was hired by Turlock Police Department and there he served with honor for over 26 years. He rose through the ranks from an Officer/Patrolman, to Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant, and finally Chief from 1979, until his retirement in 1993. He also graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy in 1981.
He spearheaded the implementation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in Turlock’s schools and enjoyed being a judge for boxing competitions for Turlock Police Activities League (P.A.L.) He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus-9363 of St. Jude’s, Livingston, as well as a member, and past President of the Delhi School Board for many years.
John loved telling anecdotal stories, sharing a good joke, eating a hearty meal, and pie. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on hot rods with friends and family, and working in the yard where he was an avid backyard bird watcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Socorro, his sister Lauretta, his nieces Vivian and Esther, his nephews Matthew and Paul, his granddaughter-in-law Denise, and great-grandson Cody.
John is survived by his wife Socorro (Carol), his sons John (Terri), Chris, Joe (Donda), and his daughters Genny Caraveo (Bryan), Patricia Graves (Bill), and Elena Gutierrez (Lupe), along with 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will on Thursday, November 14th from 5-7 PM at Allen Mortuary, follow by a rosary at 7 PM.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 15th at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock with internment immediately follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In remembrance, donations may be made to Turlock P.A.L., or Covenant Hospice of Turlock.
