Johnny “JW” Walker Robertson, Jr.
1944 – 2020
Johnny Walker Robertson Jr. (JW) was born on September 11, 1944 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Johnny Robertson and Maxine (German) Robertson. He passed away on September 3, 2020 after a failed remission of Acute Myloid Leukemia.
Before settling in Oklahoma City, the family also lived in Lawton and Geary. JW went to Northwest Classen High School (1962) and the University of Oklahoma (1967). At OU he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity serving as its President his senior year. He graduated from OU on Friday and started his 32-year career with Southwestern Bell the following Monday. His career took him to Enid, Ponca City, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and San Antonio. He retired in May 1999. He married his best friend and soulmate Beth Peck Bray in 1982 and she joined him in retirement in 2001 when she also retired from Southwestern Bell. Then they began to travel … a lot! JW was proud of the fact that he had been to all of the 61 National Parks in America. Yes, there are 62 but the last was named after his Leukemia diagnosis so, in his mind, it didn’t count. His passion was trip planning and he was very good at it. He has spent the night at Machu Picchu, travelled above the artic circle to Gates of the Artic National Park in Alaska, taken a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and hiked the trails at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. He had to be bribed to take his first cruise back in 2005, but his initial doubt turned into a love and he became an avid cruiser. All that knew JW, knew how much he loved college football and his Sooners and their “away” games became another opportunity to travel.
He is survived by his wife Beth of Edmond, sons Corey Bray of Oklahoma City, Matthew Robertson, daughter-in-law Kim, and his precious grandchildren Paxton, Piper and Presley of Edmond, his sister Beth Carroll (husband Chris) of Overland Park, Kansas, niece Amy Korf (daughter Kylie) and nephew CJ Carroll (wife Meagan) all also of Overland Park, as well as many dear friends.
This witty, intelligent, caring, and wonderful man has left a permanent mark on our lives. His presence will be missed by all.
In keeping with JW’s wishes there will be no public service. To remember him he would like for you to have an ice cream in his honor.
Oh, this is WONDERFUL! Witty, caring, intelligent – YES! I will never forget him. I absolutely have a permanent JW mark.
I pray God will bless you Beth, and your family, with a beautiful grief – a grief that draws you closer to each other and to our Savior. I pray you are flooded with sweet memories that you’ll hold onto forever.
I’m smiling as I think of JW in class. He was loved by everyone of us.
Blessings on you all,
Cindy Merritt
May the peace that passes all understanding be with you ., Beth. ?? Respectfully , Jan Vanlandingham
Our family has the fondest memories of JW. There’s an amazing SWBT reunion going on now in Heaven. We pray for comfort & peace for Beth & the whole family. Thank you for a lifetime of friendship.
In Christ’s love,
The Love & Ridley families
✝️??
What a wonderful friendship we shared with JW and Beth via Sooner Football and it all began in section 7 of Owen Stadium. Mike found a friend who was just as passionate about Sooner football as he. And someone who was very educated about the game studying information about the players and coaches. For over twenty five years we were delighted to reunite on that first home game each season as we returned to our seats in our section 7. We have many fond memories of wins and losses shared with JW and we will miss his smile and friendship. To Beth and his family we send hugs and hope the many wonderful memories you shared with JW will comfort you in your coming days.
We will honor JW as he suggested with a bowl of ice cream and will one more time say to him. BOOMER, can’t you just hear him replying SOONER!
Dearest Beth,
I can imagine the heaviness of the loss of JW in your heart. Your love for National Parks was shared by me also. JW gave me so much info and I have not forgotten. Although, I am way behind the travels you two have made!
Jesus has a way to bring a quiet into your heart. I know He is with you now more than ever!
I have so missed you & JW in class. Someday maybe I may see you again. Your smile and laughter lights up a room!
May the peace of the Lord that surpasses all understanding be with you now.
Love, Love,
Sandy Brese
JW used to kick my hinny in wrestling at NW Classen back in the day. He was nice about it but it did not help the butt kicking very much. A few times ( very few) I kicked his. He will be missed. I liked and respected him. He was a good one. I only wish I knew him better in later years. It was good to reunite at OU wrestling matches. I will miss him. Art South
Beth,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I had known JW since NW Classen and always knew him to be a kind, smart gentleman. I know he will be missed by so many.
Jan Hively- Hager
Beth, I, as a NW wife, only got to know you and JW through our husbands’ friendship. Tracy really liked JW and was delighted whenever they got to do something together. Over the years when we would run into you two at a party, etc. Tracy would tell me something else about JW and why he was so glad they were friends. Your husband was always so kind to me, as you were, and Tracy many times said JW was a really great guy.
I am very sorry this happened. Sharon
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of JW. Although it has been many years since our paths last crossed, I fondly remember the good times we all shared in OKC, St. Louis and in Cancun. JW was not just a great companion to you, Beth, also a great father and friend to so many of us. My thoughts are with your family during these difficult days.
SYDNEY PERRIN WILSON
Losing JW was such a shock, he seemed so indestructible. Our class will miss him so much, JW was always there to lend a hand, our next reunion will not be the same, you must come. You always have people in your class that are special to you & for me JW was one of them. You had the best Beth, hold that close to you…Love
Dear Beth may JW always be with you. My prayers are with you.
What a gut punch. JW and my brother were classmates, close friends, and long time neighbors as our families lived 5 doors apart during high school (and beyond). My last recollection of this kind and generous man was when JW and Beth had gone out of their way to attend my brother Bruce’s funeral in Colorado. I was really touched to see JW crying. But that’s the kind of man he was, passionate and compassionate. Just remember he has not departed. He has arrived.