Wm. Howard Johnson

March 2, 1924 - December 22, 2011

Wm. Howard Johnson of Canadian Lakes, formerly of Harrietta, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2011 at his home. He was 87. He was born on March 2, 1924 in Lawrence County, Tennessee to William A. and Dora D. (Urban) Johnson. Howard had served in the Army in World War II and also in the Reserves. He had been employed at Chrysler Coproration for over 34 years and retrired in May of 1981 and then moved to Harrietta, where he and his wife enjoyed many years. Howard was active as a volunteer for the fire department and rescue squad for many years. He served as a trustee and as first administrator for Harrietta. He was elected and served for six years as supervisor of Boon Township. Howard was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved the woods, water and most of all his family. On November 20, 1977 in Cadillac he married the former Erma Ruth Hansen and she survives him along with daughters: Lynn Lott of Tennessee, Kathleen Reau of Canadian Lakes and Karen Sneed of Ohio; grandchildren: Matthew, Stephanie, Richard, Kristie, Renee and Michaelena; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Purcell of Tennessee; sister-in-law, Jeanette Johnson of Tennessee and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, LeeRoy; an infant brother, Elbert and two son-in-laws, Richard Reau, Sr. and Walter Sneed. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac with Reverend Lloyd Jewett officiating. Friends may meet the family from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at Boon Westside Cemetery in Boon with full military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, Michigan 49202. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.