JOHNSON, Fred C. 1889 - 1978

JOHNSON, RUSSELL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 4/28/2012 at 19:23:21

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Monday, May 22, 1978

Civic Leader--
Fred JOHNSON Dies

Fred C. JOHNSON, longtime resident of Fairfield and civic leader of his community, died at 4 a.m. today at the Jefferson County Hospital after an illness of several months.

The body is at the Weston Behner Funeral Home where arrangements are being made. Perhaps the words spoken when JOHNSON was presented the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1966 reveals the goals and ideals of this longtime resident, resident, (sic)

"This award goes to the father of two children, a businessman, a former member of the city council, and one who has served this community for 18 straight years on a civic board.

"This man has been dedicated to the proposition that Fairfield shall have beautiful recreation areas long after he has left us. He has witnessed the growth of Fairfield and the changes in this city where he has been a business man for 61 years.

"He is a lover of nature and its beauties which qualified him as a valuable and hard working member of the park board."

One of his most beloved projects is the rose garden in Chautauqua Park. A self-styled naturalist and biologist, many residents of the community turned to Fred when they wanted information about flowers, especially roses.

He moved to Fairfield with his family in 1905, where he followed his father as a tailor. His final location was on the second floor of the Preibe Building on the east side of the square where he remained until his retirement in 1966.

While carrying out his own business JOHNSON took time to serve his community well. He served for a time as deputy county clerk, served as a member of the city council, and served as a member of the city park board and later as a member of the Park and Recreation Board, a total of well over 20 years.

He completed his final term on the Park and Recreation Board in 1974. The family home is at 305 South B.

Fred C. and Dottie A. RUSSELL were married June 26, 1912, at Ottumwa. She preceded him in death Feb. 13, 1973.

He is survived by two daughters, Manerva JOHNSON, at home; and Dixie A. JOHNSON, Arlington Heights, Ill.

Dixie JOHNSON was scheduled to arrive home late this morning.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Fred was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, next to wife Dottie in Lot 4th.115.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen