Carlyle J. Johanson

Carlyle J Johanson of Lavon, Texas, died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with liver disease on August 30, 2023 at the young age of 81.

Carlye, or as the people that know him best referred to him as, Carl, Dad, Poppy, Cactus Carl and even on occasion Santa, was a fearless and independent soul and will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched. 

Carl joined the Navy out of high school but knew the tidiness and punctuality needed for a life in the military were not for him long-term. He found his calling after a few false starts as an entrepreneur and eventually opened Cactus Awards which he owned and operated, and even employed each of his 4 children at some point during the last 35yrs. While Carl was originally from the North East, he got to Texas as fast as he could and made it his home, he loved it here and showed that love with his dedication to our community. In addition to being a small business owner, Carl volunteered and worked in many civic minded positions over the years.  He was a volunteer fireman, in Murphy Texas, a police officer in Murphy, Parker and Lavon Texas, along with spending several years as a Deputy US Marshall and if that wasn’t enough he also retired from Wylie ISD after 20yrs of driving a school bus.  

Carl was preceded in death by his mother and father Jeanette and John Johanson of Florida and his many beloved pets. He is survived by his loving life partner Esther, his children from his first wife, Carlyle Jr and Julie, as well as his step daughters Heather and Holly, granddaughter Madison and great granddaughter Brylee Mae.  Carl would be annoyed if we neglected to mention his love for corvettes and expensive scotch, because honestly, he might have loved them more than he did anything else.

His family hopes he is cruising in his dream Corvette with the top down through those heavenly gates and playing with the animals who passed before him. Carl everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.

Instead of a traditional memorial service, Carls family has requested that his life be celebrated and remembered with love and laughter, the way he lived everyday.  Please join us in celebration of life at 10am on Wednesday September 6, 2023 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral home in Lavon, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Life Path Systems Foundation in memory of Carl: 

Life Path 515 Heritage Dr. Ste 105, McKinney TX 75069 - 972.562.0190 - https://www.lifepathfoundation.org/donate-now/