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JOHNSON -- Delbert Johnson, 92, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2006. He was born July 22, 1913. A longtime Albuquerque resident, his friends, cohorts, and acquaintances knew him better as "The Muleman." His family called him Dad or Del. Del was born at home in the Tennessee hills, one of 11 children. He left home at 16 to see the world with $3.25 in his pocket. Throughout his life, he regaled his family and friends with funny and crazy stories of his many youthful adventures. He met and married Geraldine Evans and they settled in Albuquerque in the late '40s where they raised four daughters. For 40 years, he owned and operated H&J Wheel Alignment on old Route 66, but his first love was tradin' horses and mules. Using the knowledge and skills he learned in Tennessee, he prided himself on knowing a "good mule" when he saw one and getting the better end of any deal. But his friends and those he traded with will say that he was always fair. He spent 50 years raising, riding, showing, packing, and trading mules and, in his retirement years, racing mules. In the last 20 years, he moved on to racing horses. He co-owned King of Stars, a many time winner and track record holder, at the Ruidoso Downs racetrack in the 1990's. He was a proud Mason and also belonged to the Elks Lodge and Rio Grande Mule Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine "Jerry" Johnson. He is survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Pam and Gene Porter of Ramona, CA, Teri Ashby of Sacramento, CA, Judy and Sam Lybarger of Las Vegas, NV, and Nancee and Donald Willis of Carlsbad, NM. He is also survived by granddaughter, Erin Ashby; five grandsons, Robert Porter, Russell Lybarger, and Sean, Jaren and Jason Willis; great-granddaughter, Haley Weygandt-Porter; close nephew, Riley "Snookie" Johnson and his wife, Betty; as well as many other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by companion, Doris Turner as well as close friend and trading partner, Malcom Petree. Del would be the first to say..."It was a good run." Services are Tuesday, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Tue January 17, 2006