COL. ROBERT LLOYD JOHNSON

VeteranRobert Johnson

Robert JohnsonCol. Robert L. Johnson, USA, Ret., 79, of rural Frederick died Dec. 11, 2007, at his home.

He was born April 28, 1928, in Browning, a son of Charles “Pete” and Freida Johnson. He married Josephine Giugi Gagliano on Dec. 15, 1951, in West Point, N.Y. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Fabienne (and Dan) Brush of Naperville and Enid (and Scott) Ruzicka of Lombard; two sons, Peter (and Sonya) Johnson of LaGrange Highlands and Robert (and Carolyn) Johnson Jr. of Freeport; one sister, May Nell (and Bide) Thomas of Rushville; one brother, Richard (and Cicely) Johnson of Ottertail, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Edward Johnson.

His military career which spanned 28 years included service in the Korea and Vietnam wars, participation on Army Research and Development Teams that led to military science advancements such as the Patriot Missile, assignment as NATO Support Activity Commander in Europe and a Purple Heart.

He graduated from Marion Institute, USMA, University of Arizona and the US Army Command and General Staff College earning two bachelors and one masters degree.

He was named as the Honorary Colonel of the Ninth Infantry Manchu Regiment.

He was a member of St. Clare’s Anglican Mission in Rushville and chaired the Quincy Diocese Capital Campaign committee.

Services were held Friday at St. George’s Church in Macomb with Rev. Lewis Payne and Rev. Ronald Drummond officiating. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Worthington Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to The Military Order of the Purple Heart, PO Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003; or The Joni Eareckson Tada’s Wheels for the World, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

 

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 12/27/2007