Curtis Johnson Jr

Curtis "Skip" Ray Johnson, Jr., 70, of Owensboro, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky, with his boys and wife by his side. Curtis was born in Owensboro on November 28, 1947 to Curtis R. Johnson, Sr. and Joan M. (Johnson) Bernosky. Curtis was a Vietnam veteran, having proudly served as a military police officer in the United States Air Force from 1966-1967. Upon his return, Curtis joined the Owensboro Police Department (1969-1989). He soon began the "Officer Friendly" Program and taught children in the community about Stranger Danger, bike safety, and poison control. This became his passion that followed him throughout the rest of his career. After retiring, Curtis continued to focus his attention toward teaching and aiding those in need in many various ways. He was always insistent upon "fighting for the little man".

His next calling was to serve in what he was most passionate about, aiding veterans. He proudly and diligently served as Commander of the James L. Yates Post 9 American Legion, for 12 years (State Vice Commander - 1 term). Curtis was a Kentucky Colonel, and a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion, and National Rifle Association. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and University of Kentucky fan. He was also very active in his children's extra curricular activities, as well as other youth sports (coached baseball at Precious Blood Catholic Church for several years). His smile, compassion, and willingness to help others were second to none. He took the utmost pride in speaking of his faith, family, and his accomplishments.

He is preceded in death by his father Curtis, Sr., his step-mother MinOra N. Johnson, and his nephew Jimmy Wolter.

Officer Friendly's survivors include his lovely wife Patricia (Pat) W. Johnson, three sons, Curtis, III (Carrie Jones) Johnson, Andy "An" (Crystal) Johnson, Kyle "Kyle Boy" (Lori) Johnson, two stepchildren, Michael (Kimberly) Cox, Christina "Chrissie" (Jason) Muffett, his mother, Joan M. Bernosky, two brothers, Charles "Ray" Johnson, and David (Connie) Bernosky, three sisters Carolyn (Charlie) Bryant, Debra "Debbie" (Jim) Wolter, and Connie Young, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.


Services will be noon, Monday, February 19, 2018 at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory, with Father Suneesh Mathew officiating. Committal service with full military honors at Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2018, with prayers being said at 6:30 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, February 19, 2018 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to The Veterans Relief Fund, 3419 Via Lido #432, Newport Beach, CA 92663.

Share your messages of condolence with the family of Curtis Ray Johnson, Jr. at www.haleymcginnis.com.