Matthew French Johnson, age 87, of Crockett passed away Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Whitehall Nursing Home.  

Mathy, as he was known by his sisters was born at home in Armstrong, Missouri, on January 26, 1937 to F.H. Johnson and Helen Irene (Markland) Johnson. He was the oldest of three children, having two sisters, Carolyn Winkler and Sharon Harold. Growing up on a farm, he developed a love of working with livestock, especially cattle and as a young man in 4-H, he raised and showed champion beef steers. A highlight of his youth was taking one of his steers to the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City. In high school, Mathy played baseball and basketball and according to his sisters he was good, but not a star in either sport.

After graduating from high school, Matthew attended the University of Missouri College of Agriculture for a short time and then married Gloria Buoy in 1956. They had three children, Sherri Rigby (Jim Ritter), Bonnie Myers (Martin) and George Matthew Johnson (Rosanna). Matthew farmed as well as worked for the Missouri Highway Department as a construction inspector while raising his family. He was actively involved in their 4-H activities, especially with their horse and beef steer projects as a Project Leader for both.

In 1980, Matthew relocated to the Crockett, Texas area to manage the Lazy P Ranch and in 1981, he married Evelyn Jean Partlow. Evelyn has three children, Patrick Partlow, Timothy Partlow and Kellee Langley. Kellee relocated to Crockett with Evelyn and Matthew enjoyed supporting her 4-H projects during her youth. During their tenure managing the Lazy P Ranch, Matthew and Evelyn were named Fort Worth Star Telegram Commercial Ranchers of the Year in 1992. After retiring from the Lazy P Ranch, they purchased their own ranch which they owned and operated for 35 years. 

Matthew was a well-known rancher in Houston County and active with a buyer’s group that supported local youth in the county. He was an active member of the Methodist Church in Crockett where he was famous for his briskets and homemade BBQ sauce.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Evelyn, their children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as his sisters.

A Celebration of Matthew’s Life ceremony is planned for mid-November, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation, P. O. Box 652, Crockett, TX 75835

Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com