John Gilbert Williamson

John G. Williamson (U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Retired) was called home by the Lord on Monday May 18, 2026.

John was born in Crystal City, MO on October 10, 1938, to John B. and Lucille Yates Williamson. He is survived by his wife Lucille Sommerer Williamson and their sons and families: John E., Melissa (wife), and Lily (granddaughter); Justin, Ann-Marie (wife), Katherine (granddaughter), and Dominic (grandson); and Jack and Leigh (wife). He is also survived by his two brothers Jim and JayCee.

John graduated from DeSoto, MO High School in 1957, earning varsity letters in football, track, and baseball each year and was captain of the football team his senior year. He earned three state track meet medals. In 2018, John was inducted into the DeSoto High School “Hall of Fame.”

John graduated from Missouri State University in 1961 earning a Bachelor of Sciences in mathematics and an officer commission in the U.S. Army. He earned a varsity letter in track in his freshman year and a varsity football letter the next three years. John also earned Master’s Degrees from Northeastern University and Suffolk University.

Upon graduation in 1961 he married Lucille. After 20 years in the Army, John retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. While in the Army, John said his most rewarding tours were his HAWK Missile command tours in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea. His final command was the Battalion Commander of the 1/65 HAWK Missile Battalion in Key West, FL and Fort Bliss, TX.

John also attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. His other domestic assignments included teaching ROTC at Harvard, a tour with the Inspector General based at the Presidio in California, and finally teaching at the Air Defense Artillery School at Fort Bliss.

Among his commendations include earning the Bronze Star for operations in Vietnam; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaves. After retiring from the Army, John taught mathematics at Burges High School in El Paso, TX for 20 years.

John was an accomplished wood carver, carving birds, fish, whales, and many other subjects. Many of the crosses at Zion Lutheran Church were made by John, including a large cross at the Ysleta Lutheran Mission where he volunteered for several years. John also loved fishing and photography. He loved to run, especially with his troops under his command.

John was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1962 when he first came to Fort Bliss. John served as an elder and youth group leader. His favorite Bible verses are Psalm 103:5 and Isaiah 40:31.

A memorial to celebrate his life will be on Saturday July 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in El Paso, TX. His interment will be Monday July 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ysleta Lutheran Mission at ylm.org/donate/