Clarence Wesley Johnson
July 15, 1927 - November 11, 2011
Obituary
Clarence Wesley Johnson
Clarence Wesley Johnson has gone home to be with the Lord on November 11, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born to the union of Betsy and Claude Johnson on July 25, 1927 in Middletown, Kentucky. He was one of nine children raised on a tobacco farm in Middletown, Kentucky where he helped his father in the tobacco fields for a few cents to buy penny candy. A sweet tooth that held true until the end.
He continued his education there until enlisting in the Army in 1945 where he proudly served for 20 years and honorably retiring as a Sgt 1st Class E-7. He re-entered the workforce at Western Electric in Kent, WA and then continued his career at AT&T for another 6 years and retiring yet again.
Clarence was a very hardworking and dedicated man. He was very charming and his charisma was admired by many. He had a contagious smile and his laugh left a forever impression on your heart.
He met Gabriele Johnson while working at Western Electric in 1982. They later married on June 12, 1984. Spending the next 8 years together in Phoenix, Arizona and Ohio where they finally retired to Puyallup, WA in 2000. With God’s great love and grace they spent the last 11 wonderful years together living life to the fullest. They enjoyed gardening, spending time with Sarge and enjoying beautiful afternoon drives. He also loved attending the Lavender Festival in Sequim and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
He will be missed by all. To Clarence Wesley Johnson we salute you! Leaving behind his loving wife, Gabriele Johnson and his best friend Sarge (his dog). Also leaving behind is his nephew, Jerry Burrell (Sandra) and godson Sha’Ron Gentry. He loved being a grandpa to Jeffrey, Erik, Rebecca and Levi. He adored stepdaughter Toni Rose and stepson David Rose (Theresa) and his beloved “that girl”, Christy. With greatest appreciation for care and comfort given to both of them, Dr. Shwetha Hegde, Kris and Calvin Dawson. Wonderful care was also received at Life Care Center of Federal Way and Evergreen Nursing/ Rehab in Olympia. Both facilities have been a blessing to them. For help in friendship and compassion, a grateful thank you to Joel Pullman and family, Paula & Gary Cox, Gayle Bryan, Carolyn Hibler, Donna & Adrian, Peggy & Al, dear neighbors The Schafer family, Karl & April Ward, The Buyers family, Scott Sweet, Karen and Johnny Dumlao, Jim & Linda Morrison. With much gratitude to all who touched his life. Thank you
Clarence’s infectious laugh will forever be present in my heart. How I got a kick out of his laughter. “How ya doin’, Clarence?” “Kickin’, but not high.” followed by, “OooohWeee!” This was always followed by me laughing.
Sitting with Clarence, intrigued, listening to him tell me stories of his days in the service, fighting in combat. I loved hearing these stories and I believed he loved sharing his memories. Thank you, CJ
I love you ~ Toni
A hug , A smile so simple and so sweet, Strong hands yet ever so gentle touch. Enchanted Charisma and Fly Swagger are just a few memories that come to mind.
” Hurry back” he would say then I would be on my Merry way. When I walked in the door daddy would ask ” Where you been?”; Even though it had only been a day. “Yes Drill Sgt.” I would say only to get a salute and a grin. Oh how I will miss those days far more than words can say. But forever in my heart those memories will stay.
Clarence was a wonderful person and had a laugh that will never be forgotten!!!! He is now in heaven no longer suffering from memory loss. He is looking down on us all and saying oooh weee and remembering all the great years with his beautiful wife Gabriele and his family and friends!! What a wonderful blessing that is ! He will be forever in our hearts!! We love you!! Paula