Chester Spillar Johnson Sr.

Chester Spillar Johnson passed into glory December 3, 2017. Chester was a lifelong resident of San Antonio, born to Leona Spillar and Milton Johnson in March 1927. He was a member of Manor Baptist Church for 24 years, and a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 35 years, where he served faithfully as Deacon. Additionally he greeted those entering the Senior center at Trinity Baptist each Sunday for most of the past twenty years, and spent countless hours building and singing in the Living Christmas Tree with his fellow choir members. Chester also shared his beautiful voice with the Sonshine Singers, a chorale group here. For over 44 years, he delivered mail, mostly in the Monte Vista area. He retired as a Major in the National Guard after over 30 years service, and also served briefly in the US Navy at the end of WWII. Chester was a 32nd degree Mason, Past Master of Patterson Masonic Lodge. In 2002 he was District #39C Deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Texas. For over 60 years he was a member of Scottish Rite, as well as the Alzafar Shriners. Chester met his future wife, Bettie McGlasson Johnson, at Jefferson High School, where he graduated May 1945. He immediately left to serve in the Navy, after asking her permission to write to her while in the service. They married April 1947. Chester cared for her through bouts of cancer until her death in 1982. He married Jerinelle Maddox Johnson in February 1984 after they met in the choir at Trinity Baptist. He cared for her when she developed Alzheimers disease, passing in January 2007. He is survived by his son, Chester S Chip Johnson Jr. (Jennifer) and their sons, Chester S. Tres Johnson III and Gunnar. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Linda Martin (Bob) and their children, Christie Szabo (Jeff) and Heather Beard (James); Russell Maddox (deceased) and wife Elizabeth and their daughter, Miranda Maddox Moore; Gerald Maddox (Rebecca); and Rhonda Wallace (Jim) and their children Amanda Villarreal (David) and Breck Cowan. Additional blessings came from his 9 great grandchildren, Emma Szabo, Kaitlyn Szabo, Brennyn Beard, James Robert Beard, Russell Hunley, Heather Olivia Hunley, Soloman Villarreal, Elisha Villarreal, and Sara Villarreal. Chester possessed many talents including clockmaking, wood working and creating needlepoint pillow designs. Thank you John Paschal, Kathy Miller and Linda Hopkins, of Amada Senior Care North for their care and companionship over the past year. Chester will be laid to rest next to Bettie in a private family burial in Waco, Texas. A celebration of his life will be held in the New Year, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.