Eric Eugene Johns was born on March 3, 1984, in Blackwell General Hospital to Loren R. and Mary (Martin) Johns. On Friday, February 26, 2010, a few days short of his 26th birthday, he departed life on earth to spend eternity with his Heavenly Father. He is now able to run and talk and to do all the things that he wasn't able to do during his life here on earth.

At the age of six months Eric was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. When he was one year old, he began his education in an early intervention special education program at Blackwell Public Schools. Several years later at the age of five, he attended class for one year in a special education class at the Opportunity Center in Ponca City, OK. At his parents' insistence the following year, he returned to Blackwell Public Schools as a full-time student at Parkside Center, later attending both Washington and Houston elementary schools. He attended elementary school in regular education classes for half days and special education for half days. During his sixth grade year, he moved to Blackwell High School to attend the Life Skills class. He loved his years there, enjoying the tender guidance of his teacher Kathy Whitworth, along with her wonderfully dedicated team. Eric attended BHS through the year of his twenty-second birthday, graduating in 2006.

Eric enjoyed time spent with friends and family more than anything. The joy seen on his face and in the twinkle in his eyes was evidence that his best times were spent when there was a group of people around, whether it was at a family birthday party or another celebration, or whether it was at a class bowling party or field trip. In addition to loving his friends and family and the times spent together with them, Eric enjoyed old movies, video games, camping, fishing, and boating.

Eric is survived by his parents Loren and Mary of Peckham, Oklahoma; brother Josh and sister-in-law Shantel Johns; nephews Jayten and Myles Johns; niece Malia Johns; paternal grandparents Robert and Nancy Johns all of Blackwell, OK; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Edwin (Bud) and Margaret (Peggy) Martin of Peckham, Oklahoma.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 1st in the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Andy Teston officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Josh Johns, Ryan Martin, Jayten Johns, Blake Jordan, Derle Mork Jr., Adam Johns, Trent Banister, Todd Gricol and Seth Jordan. Honorary casketbearers will be the Blackwell Public Schools Special Education Department.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell High School Life Skills Class for field trips in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.

The family will greet visitors on Sunday evening, February 28th at the funeral home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.