Johnny Roy LaQuey, 67, of Brownwood, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, on October 8, 1957, Johnny was the son of Pogue LaQuey and Frances Geraldine “Gerri” (Holliday) LaQuey. He was raised with a deep respect for hard work, a value that defined his life and legacy.
Johnny was a self-employed welder who dedicated over 50 years to his craft. There was no question—he worked harder than anyone. He gave every single day everything he had, pushing through long hours, tough conditions, and demanding jobs across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. No matter the challenge, Johnny never backed down. He took immense pride in doing things the right way and was known for showing up, getting the job done, and doing it with grit and determination.
In his later years, Johnny worked in the Grounds Department at Howard Payne University, continuing to give his all without ever slowing down. He wasn’t the kind of man who ever took shortcuts—he believed in earning every inch, and he did.
Welding was his passion, but his true obsession was his family. Everything he did—every early morning, every late night—was for them. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger, who built lasting friendships everywhere he went, and who treated friends like family.
Johnny is survived by his beloved wife, Karen. Johnny and Karen were married for 34 wonderful years. He is also survived by his son, Shawn LaQuey (Dawn); daughters, Amber McCloud (Bobby) and Krystal Altigieri (Michael); and sister, Betty Bill (Ed). His grandchildren were his pride and joy: Jocelyn Gentry (Cooper), Kaitlyn Backus (Victor), Madison Brownmiller (Trey), Avery Luig, Gracie LaQuey, Kadence Altigieri, Peyton McCloud, Silas LaQuey, Kaylee Altigieri, and Mikaela Altigieri. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Ryker Brownmiller, Carter Gentry, and Charlotte Brownmiller, as well as sister-in-law Renata Jump and numerous dear friends who were truly part of the family.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Pogue and Frances LaQuey; his grandparents, Roy and Wilma LaQuey; and Tom Holliday.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Solaris Hospice for their wonderful support during Johnny’s final days.
To honor Johnny’s memory and his service to Howard Payne University, the family would like to provide an outdoor seating area for students and staff on campus. If you would like to support this project, donations can be made to the Johnny LaQuey Memorial Fund through the Howard Payne University Advancement Office, P.O. Box 2369, Brownwood, TX 76804, or online at https://www.hputx.edu/give.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1, at 2:00 PM at Grace Chapel on the Howard Payne University campus.
Burial will follow on Saturday, August 2, at 11:00 AM in Girard, Texas.
Pallbearers: Shawn LaQuey, Bobby McCloud, Michael Altigieri, Peyton McCloud, Silas LaQuey, Victor Backus. Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Ray, Larry Smith, Dale Grublenik, James Churchill, Trey Brownmiller, Cooper Gentry, Garrett Ellis, Zach Ellis, and Christian Jump
Johnny LaQuey will be remembered as a man who never quit, never complained, and never let anything stand in the way of providing for and protecting the ones he loved. His work ethic, loyalty, and love for his family are the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that will live on in all who were blessed to know him.