On June 6, 2008, Johnnie Thomas Worthen, 92, of DeRidder, passed from this life.

Mr. Worthen was born in Glenmora, Louisiana on July 4, 1915 to the union of Ruben Worthen and Jimmie Ann Miller.  He lived most of his life in the DeRidder area.  He worked as a truck driver for Kite Brothers RV, where he retired after 30 years of loyal service.  He was also very proud to serve as a deputy sheriff officer for the Beauregard Parish Sheriffs office, where he was the first African American deputy.

He leaves to mourn his passing, the children from his union to, Gerttie W. William:  Superintendent Johnnie Worthen (Helen) of Cleveland, Texas and Minister Larry Johnson of Chicago, Illinois.  The children from his union to, Shirley Jones:  Fran Worthen, Bernard Worthen, Greta Worthen and June Marie Worthen all of Chicago, Illinois.  The children from his union to, Jewel Crosby West:  El Nora Silas of DeRidder; Carolin Collier of Lake Charles; Faye West of DeRidder; Thomas Lee Worthen (Mary) of DeRidder; Elder Daniel Worthen (Jacqueline Renee) of DeRidder; Paul Worthen of Baton Rouge and Mary Cris (LaShay) of San Antonio, Texas.  The children from his union to Early Mae Worthen:  Tangie Faye Jones (Lawrence) of Albany, Georgia; Johnnie Thomas Worthen, Jr. of DeRidder; Mary Worthen - Alfred (Mark) of Arlington, Texas; Evonne Marie Worthen of Opelousas, Louisiana and Ruby Jackson (Wayne) of DeRidder.

He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Worthen was preceded in death by Shirley Jones, Jewel Crosby West, Early Mae Denmond Worthen; 3 children, Jimann Worthen, Larry Worthen and Micheal Worthen; his parents, brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held from 9am until service time Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  Elder James Piper will officiate. Burial services will be held at Community Cemetery in DeRidder.