Robert E. Johnson
Robert Johnson's granddaughter Jessica Cribbs, made a documentary about the men of the Laffey and of the battle at Okinawa. She premiered her video "LAFFEY MEN" aboard the USS YORKTOWN at our last reunion in Charleston.
The video was a great success and was a real tribute to her
grandfather and his shipmates.
Robert E. Johnson S1/c WWII veteran, passed
away on May 15, 2009.
Our prayers go with Bob and his family.
Keep the family in your prayers.
Sonny Walker, President
Robert Edward Johnson
Robert Edward Johnson
83, of Toledo, Ohio
83, of Toledo, Ohio
Bob lived with Nina A. Johnson, his wife and one-and-only love of 61 years. They made their home at Alexis Gardens Retirement Community. Bob was born on January 20, 1926, and grew up on the East side of Toledo, Ohio. His parents were David Fulwood and Geraldine (Michener) Johnson.
After graduating from Waite High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in January, 1944. He was one of the 330 brave men who served on the U.S.S. Laffey 724 - "The Ship That Would Not Die" - which survived attacks of 17 Kamikaze planes off the coast of Okinawa during WWII. A documentary "Laffey Men" has been written and produced by his granddaughter, Jessica (Johnson) Cribbs, to honor the ship and her crew.
In 1948 Bob met Nina (the love of his life) at the A & P store. "She's the only girl for me!" he announced, and they married on August 24, 1948. Together Bob and Nina raised nine children, Raymond Johnson (Kathy), Robert A. Johnson (Laura), David Johnson (Pam), Gerry Zemenski (Bob), Ken Johnson (Joyce), Tom Johnson (Brenda), Tim Johnson, Suzanne Sears (George) and Mary Sweeny (Paul).
Bob was also the proud grandfather of 33 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Bob was a devoted, hard-working husband and father who taught his children and grandchildren the value of integrity and a strong work ethic. He loved his family, his friends, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to the above, Bob is survived by his sister, Mary Alice Shank (Homer).
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, David Johnson and Harlan D. Johnson. Bob loved music and was gifted with a beautiful baritone voice. From sunrise to sunset he could be heard singing and whistling his favorite tunes. Bob was an avid student of the Bible, and a man devoted to friends and family. He was a voracious reader, particularly of mysteries and historical biographies. For decades Bob was a valued member at Second Baptist Church, where his parents raised him in East Toledo.
He served Second Baptist in the roles of deacon, trustee, choir member and Sunday school teacher. Bob's career with FoodTown Supermarkets is still remembered by many who worked under his management. He was known as fair and honest who truly cared about his employees and his customers. Upon leaving store management Bob began his Ballreich's Potato Chip distributorship in the greater Toledo area, a business from which he retired in 1992. Bob will be greatly missed.
Visiting hours will be Monday, May 18th at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) from 1-8 p.m. where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, May 19th at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions to Cass Road Baptist Church, 1400 Cass Rd. Maumee, OH. 43614. Online condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com