Johnnie E. Hauerland, Mayor of Meridian, quietly passed away on July 24, 2021, of COVID-19. His wife of 31 years, Sharon Hauerland was by his side when he passed away. He had been vaccinated against the virus, but caught the variant due to his low immunity system.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Sealy, Texas. Father Jonathan More officiated. Public viewing was held from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday, August 2, 2021, at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian.

Johnnie E. Hauerland was born on March 16, 1940, in Sealy, Texas to John Elias and Frances Hamala Hauerland. Johnnie loved people and being Mayor of Meridian. Johnnie and Sharon moved to Meridian in 1990. He had just been hired as Superintendent of Meridian ISD. He retired from Venus ISD as Superintendent in 2004. Johnnie served 39 years in the education field. Johnnie had a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Education. He was a lifetime member of the Texas Teachers Association. He was well-loved and will be greatly missed. He served his community as being on the city council and then mayor as well as being on the Meridian Lions Club.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Sharon Hauerland of Meridian; step-daughter, Sheri Wood of Santa Fe, New Mexico; daughters, Lisa Hauerland and her son, Andrew, Kim Davis and husband, John, and their children, Tyler, Meagan, and Kaitlyn Davis, and Patricia Todd and husband, Christopher and their son, Michael; sister, Bernice Vavrecka; and brother-in-law, Ken Stuessel; along with a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, John Elias and Frances Hamala Hauerland; brother, Ben; sister, Doris; nephew, Jason; and countless others.

In lieu flowers memorials may be made in Johnnie’s name to:

MERIDIAN PARKS AND RECREATION

c/o City of Meridian P.O. Box 306 Meridian, Texas 76665 or

MERIDIAN LION’S CLUB

P.O. Box 853 Meridian, Texas 76665

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435- 2792.