TULSA, Okla. — In late March, Vietnam War veteran John Johnson died at the hospital, his family unable to be by his side. He could not get a proper honor for his life, until two months later.
Johnson was a father, friend, and veteran of two branches and the Tulsa County Sheriff's office. His daughter Julia Evans says he was most proud of his family and his service.
When he passed, his family could not gather to hold a funeral. But Friday, they’re finally getting closure.
"It was really hard, and everyone struggled. And we’re still struggling,” Julia said. "In some of our minds we really needed the church service. It was really exciting that we could actually do this part.“
Julia says for many Oklahomans, reopening the state means moving back toward normal life. But for her family, it comes as a relief for a much bigger reason.
"A lot of people are like, ‘we get to go out, we get to do something,’ but we just want to have a funeral," Julia said.
Johnson will be honored Friday evening, complete with a proper mass and celebration of life. His friends, family, and war buddies will gather, relieved to finally give him a send-off together.
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