Orelan Wade Johnson

Orelan Wade Johnson passed away May 28, 2017, on the hill where he was born, in Tomberlin, Arkansas in Lonoke County on March 26, 1942. His parents were Robert Edward Johnson and Mildred Elkins Johnson. He was a farmer and a member of The First Baptist Church of England, Arkansas. Orelan was a third generation farmer, farming the land that has been worked by his family for 98 years, and continues to be by his 4th and 5th family generations. Orelan was acclaimed and award winning farmer. He was named, along with his family, as the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year for 2008, the 2009 Swisher Sweet Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year from Arkansas, and the Conservation Tillage Cotton Farmer of the Year for 2004. He was featured over the years in several national magazines, including National Conservation Tillage Digest. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, recently recognized as a 50 year member of the Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Joe, and one sister, Delores. Orelan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Tena Jordan Johnson, and their two children, Angela Johnson Ward (Scott), and Wade Johnson (Brandy) all of Coy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kirsten Johnson (Dennis Armijo), Chance Johnson (Meagan Morgan), Drew Johnson (Natalie Elmore), Rhett Ward and Rachel Ward. He was loved by a large extended family, as well. Orelan will be missed by the many farmers he has mentored over the years from throughout the community. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Roller England Funeral Home (501-842-3939). Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church in England. Burial will be in the Mulberry Cemetery by Roller England Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Orelan's name, which will be presented each year to an England High School graduate who intends to pursue an education and career in Agriculture. Donations may be made at either Bank of England branch in England. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/england.