Ronald Dean Johnson, 67, Passes Away

Longtime Portales resident and retiree from Sunland Peanut Company dies at home

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Ronald Dean Johnson, a 67-year-old resident of Portales, New Mexico, passed away at his home on February 20, 2026. Johnson had a long career, working as a correctional officer, delivery driver, and eventually retiring from Sunland Peanut Company (later known as Hampton Farms) in 2025. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members.

Why it matters

Ronald Johnson's passing marks the end of an era for the Portales community, where he had lived and worked for decades. As a longtime employee of the local peanut company, he was part of the fabric of the town's economy and history.

The details

Johnson was born in Anson, Texas in 1958 to Barbara Jean (Walker) and Darrel Eugene Howard. His mother later married Robert Johnson, who adopted Ronald. After serving in the U.S. Army as an MP, Johnson settled in Clovis, New Mexico, working various jobs before becoming a correctional officer. He later took a position at Sunland Peanut Company, which became Hampton Farms, where he worked until his retirement in 2025. Johnson was married to Julieta Demesa in 2018 and enjoyed fishing at Oasis State Park.

  • Ronald Dean Johnson was born on May 27, 1958.
  • He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1977 and served until 1979.
  • Johnson began working at Sunland Peanut Company (later Hampton Farms) in 2005.
  • He retired from Hampton Farms in 2025.
  • Johnson passed away at his home in Portales on February 20, 2026.

The players

Ronald Dean Johnson

A 67-year-old resident of Portales, New Mexico who had a long career working as a correctional officer, delivery driver, and eventually retiring from Sunland Peanut Company (later Hampton Farms) in 2025.

Julieta Demesa

Ronald Johnson's wife, whom he married in 2018.

Barbara Jean (Walker) and Darrel Eugene Howard

Ronald Johnson's biological parents.

Robert Johnson

Ronald Johnson's stepfather who eventually adopted him.

Sunland Peanut Company

The company where Ronald Johnson worked until it was later known as Hampton Farms, from which he retired in 2025.

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The takeaway

Ronald Johnson's life and career were deeply intertwined with the Portales community, where he lived and worked for decades. His passing marks the end of an era for the local peanut company and the town itself, as it loses a longtime resident and contributor to the local economy and culture.