Roy H. Johnson's Obituary
Roy H. Johnson, age 91, of Tucson, AZ (formerly of Forsyth, IL) passed away peacefully in the presence of family and friends at Crossroads Adult Care.
Roy was born in Evanston, IL on May 29, 1921 to John and Signe Hoagland Johnson. John and Signe had immigrated to the USA in the early 1900s. Roy was the first American-born of his family.
Roy attended schools in Wisconsin and Illinois. He graduated from Lane Technical High School on January 25, 1940. During high school, Roy worked alongside his father at his Sinclair gas and service station in Wilmette, IL. After high school, Roy worked at National Biscuit Company until he was drafted into the US Army in September 1942.
Roy served in the 745th Tank Battalion, C-Company and entered the European theater as part of the second wave of the invasion at Normandy, France as a tank driver. Roy's battalion moved through France, Belgium and into Germany where he was wounded on October 13, 1944. He was awarded Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart.
Upon his discharge in November, 1945, Roy returned to his home in the Chicago area where he became engaged to Virginia Copland of Chicago, IL. They married on July 6, 1946. Virginia preceded him in death on January 29, 2003.
Roy worked for Marvel-Schebler-Tillotson in Decatur, IL from 1957 until his retirement in April, 1983. He was an engineering technician in the fuel and automotive control systems division. He earned several patents for his work on various automotive systems.
Roy was a guiding light with his leadership of Boy Scouts of America Troop 25 and Explorer Post 24 of Decatur, IL. Roy led the scouts on numerous adventures such as hikes, campouts and a canoe trip through northern Wisconsin. He taught skills necessary for life and survival in the wilderness as well as building the character and promoting high values for all of the troop members.
After his retirement, Roy taught himself morse code and became a licensed HAM radio operator. He was active with the storm watchers in Decatur, IL and became a member of the US Army MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) until he relocated to Oro Valley, AZ.
Roy is survived by his children, sons Roy and wife Patty Johnson of Largo, Florida, Glen and wife Marcia Johnson of Oro Valley, AZ, and daughter Peggy and husband James Purdue of West Lafayette, IN; grandchildren John and Penney Johnson of Jonesboro, AR, Stacie and husband Eric Woodworth of Maple Park, IL, Tamara Johnson of Manhattan, KS, Ben Purdue of Mt. Zion, IL, Don Purdue of Bloomington, IN and Christine and husband Brent Mounger of Miami, FL; great grandchildren, Taryn Johnson and Hadyn Johnson-Coltharp of Manhattan, KS, Zach Turley, Dalton, Leah and Bella Johnson of Jonesboro, AR, and Ryan Woodworth of Maple Park, IL.
A memorial service celebrating his life, will be held at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, Friday Jan. 25, 2013 with visitation from 1:00-2:00pm followed by the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or charity of donor's choice.
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