William Thomas Johnson, 92, of Allegan, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Born Oct. 9, 1924, in Watson Township, he was the son of the late Eugene Elbert Johnson and Hazel Minnie Dokey Johnson and was the husband of the late Lucetta Annette Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Hopkins High School, Class of 1943. After graduation he went on to serve in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate aboard the ill-fated light cruiser, USS Houston, during World War II.
The Houston was torpedoed twice in the Pacific. They were patched up in dry dock in order to get them back to Brooklyn Navy Yard to be repaired and then cruised on back to the Mediterranean.
Mr. Johnson was honorably discharged in 1946 and in 1947 he married Lucetta. Together they enrolled at Michigan State and eventually the couple settled back in Allegan and ran their own florist shop together for more than 20 years.
Mr. Johnson had also worked for Allegan Public Schools for more than 25 years prior to retirement where he was the director of building and grounds. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, a member of the Lions Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge, all for more than 60 years, and he had been a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 91.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his children, William and Heather Johnson of Grand Rapids, Grant and Mary Johnson of Allegan and Robin Johnson and Mark Colborn of Bellingham, Wash.; grandchildren, Brandon, Cody, Andrea, Ryan and Regan; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Bradley; his sister Valda Horn; and his brother-in-law Howard Hildebrand.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son Brad Johnson.
A celebration of Mr. Johnson's life will take place a later date.
Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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