Clarence Johnson

Clarence E. Johnny Johnson, Jr., 92, of Great Falls, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2012 at Peace Hospice of natural causes.A memorial service will be held at Great Falls Christian Center Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Johnny's life will be held following the memorial service with a reception to be held on the church property at the GenCenter, one of the many reconstruction projects Johnny managed.Johnny entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, July 20, 2012.Johnny was born May 24,1920, to Rose S. and Clarence E. Johnson, Sr. in Kankakee, IL where he grew up with his younger brothers, Robert and Walter. He graduated from Kankakee High School and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. During his military service he served his country in the Pacific during WWII and in the Korean War. Johnny was awarded a Silver Star for valor, Bronze Star for valor, three Air Medals, as well as other awards and commendations. He retired as a Major. Johnny was honored to serve and defend the United States of America through his distinguished military career.Johnny met and married the love of his life, Mary Evangeline (Van) Smith, in 1946. Van remained his sweetheart until his last breath. Their children are Bob and Cindy Johnson, Pastors of GFCC and Dave and Cindy Johnson, Missionaries to the nation of Kosovo. Johnny was a loving husband and father who left a legacy of devotion to Christ, love, integrity, and hard work for his sons, their families, and all those who knew him. When reflecting on his family Johnny would say, I am the most blessed of all men. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Johnny and Van lived in Alaska for 13 years. He held three "public" offices: Mayor of Kenai, Alaska, City Manager of Seward, Alaska, and President of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.Johnny and Van retired in 1982, and settled Lakeside, California. In 2001, they moved to Great Falls, MT to live near their family. They joined Great Falls Christian Center where their son, Bob, is the pastor and served the church faithfully in varied ways. They opened their heart and their home to everyone. For many young men Johnny was a mentor and role model of a man who put God first in his life. Johnny served as volunteer Project Manager for the reconstruction and new construction on the GFCC facility. Being part of the GFCC church family was the joy and highlight of his life. When asked at his 90th birthday what the best time of his life was, Johnny answered, Right now. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers.Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Van, his children Bob (Cindy) of Great Falls, MT and Dave (Cindy) of Kosova; six grandchildren who treasured their Grandpa, Amy Theisen, Jessy (Josh) Catt, Abigail (Lloyd) Taylor, Jedidiah (Kim) Johnson, Rachel (Nate) Swanson, Ryan Johnson and 17 great-grandchildren who adored their Grandpa: Hunter, Katie, Natalie, Conner, Victoria, Isaac, Isabelle, Israel, Elias, Selah, Johnny, Serina, Sophia, Adelina, Ezra, Havalah, and Seth and his nieces and nephews.He was a decorated hero for the United States of America; however he was our hero for being a faithful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and leaving a heritage of love for Christ to all who knew him.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the building fund of the Great Falls Christian Center, 4114 N Park Trail, Great Falls, MT, 59405.