Howard Verlin Johnson

Howard Verlin Johnson, age 95, passed away November 5, 2013 at Jefferson County Health Center, Fairfield, Iowa.Funeral Service will be10:30a.m., Friday, November 8, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Todd Holman officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa.Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Behner Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church. Cards and Memorials can be sent to: 7553 S. W. 85th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608Howard Verlin Johnson was born December 2, 1917 to Chester Russell and Myrtle (Nelson) Johnson in the New Sweden area round Lockridge, Iowa. The family lived on a farm. He went to local schools Harmony 5 and Glasgow. He graduated from the Lockridge High School in 1936. His first job was at the General Merchandise Store at Four Corners nearby. He married May 5, 1940 to Isabelle McGee Wiley from Lebanon, Iowa. She died February 16, 2013They first lived in Salina, Iowa and soon after, they moved to Fairfield in 1941. After leaving the store at Salina, Howard worked for Brighton Creamery, then B.L.S (Brown Lynch Scott) as a store manager and later he owned Johnson Hardware Store located on the square before he retired in 1981.Howard's life was spent with many peoples, organizations and hobbies. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was involved in various church activities. Howard was a member of the Lions Club for 60 years and in that time he served as President from 1958-1959 and Secretary for 18 years. He received the following awards in Lions Club "Old Monarch, Coleman, Lion of the Year and Life member. Howard was also a member of Walton Club, Country Club, Odd Fellow Lodge for 71 years, Red Cross Chairman, Keep Young, served time on the School board in 1960 and was a Chamber of Commerce Member. In 1960 he was voted Man of the Year and served as Chamber President from 1958 - 1959. Howard enjoyed watching TV sports, local games (golf, tennis & bowling) and loved to do woodworking. He golfed for 70 years and bowled. He was an avid Hawkeye fan. In his years of marriage he and Isabelle traveled to Japan, Alaska, Canada, Scotland, Ireland and various places in the US. In 1975 Howard, Stan Maple and Wayne Klepinger founded the Howard Johnson Coffee Club. The coffee club still meets every morning during the week. Howard is survived by his 2 children and families: Jean (Tim) Ledvina of Gainesville, FL and Howard (Lois) Johnson of Altoona, IA., 6 grandchildren: James Ledvina, Kelley Ledvina, Lori Courtney, Nicole Johnson Calise, Amber Moorberg & Shane Johnson and 7 great-grandchildren: Peyton Nimmons, Kelsey Nimmons, Bailey Jean Ledvina, Tyler Ledvina, Jackson Courtney, Colin Courtney, and Mario Calise.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Isabelle, and 2 brothers: Donald & Carroll.