Arnold E. JOHNSON

JOHNSON, BELFIELD, BOUGHTON, WILLIAMS, NEELEY, CAMPO, WAFER, MCNAIR, TAYLOR, THOMAS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/17/2006 at 10:42:34

JOHNSON -- Arnold E. Johnson, 87, of Albuquerque, veteran of World War II, died on January 10, 2006 at the Vista Care Hospice, Albuquerque Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He had been a resident of Albuquerque for 52 years. Born in Emmetsburg, IA, he was the son of Howard Johnson and Emma (Belfield) (Johnson) Boughton. He graduated from Eagle Grove (Iowa) High School and worked for the railroad before joining the Army in 1941. He served proudly during WWII in the 713th Railroad Operations Battalion in Italy, Northern Africa (Tunisia), France, and Germany, and he formed close friendships with his Army buddies. One of his great pleasures was attending the annual 713th RR Battalion reunions as long as he was able. After the War, Arnie returned to his work as a switchman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, Wyoming for several years and continued his education. While there, he earned his commercial pilot's license. He was active in the American Legion and was Commander of the post in Cheyenne. He moved his family to Albuquerque, his wife's home, in 1953. He spent nearly twenty years with the Prudential Insurance Company, then in 1971 went to work as Chief Commercial Appraiser for Bernalillo County, where he worked until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of American Legion Post 99, on Louisiana Blvd. in Albuquerque. Besides spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Arnie cherished the company of his many friends, meeting them several mornings each week for breakfast. He especially enjoyed going fishing with his children and grandchildren. Arnie was predeceased by his brother, Earl; his sisters, Maxine and Merle; and his son, Lt. Col. Hugh Williams III ("Cato") (NMANG). He is survived by his sons, CMSgt Ronald E. Johnson, (NMANG) and his wife, Mary, and MSgt Erik A. Johnson, (NMANG, Ret.), of Albuquerque; and daughters, Jeanne (Williams) and her husband, Lt. Col. Harry T. Johnson, Jr. (USA, Ret) of Medway, MA, Ann (Williams Campo) and her husband, Paul Neeley of Eagle Grove, IA, and Sally (Williams) and her husband, David Wafer, of Arley, AL. Also surviving are grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Erik Johnson, Jr., all of Albuquerque, Larissa (Campo) McNair of Wauconda, IL, Carina (Campo) Thomas of Bartlett, IL, David Wafer, Jr. of Grand Junction, CO, Joshua Johnson, Harry Johnson III, both of Medway, MA; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Gallegos, Stacy Muniz, both of Albuquerque, David Wafer III of Grand Junction, CO, and Jessica Thomas of Bartlett, IL. A nephew, Terry A. Taylor of Seven Mile, OH, also survives. Arnie will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather and a trusted and loyal friend. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Rio Grande Presbyterian Church, 600 N. Coors Blvd. (NW) in Albuquerque, with the Service led by Rev. Steve Voris. A reception at the church will follow the Service. Burial of the ashes will take place at the Santa Fe Veterans' National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in memory of Arnold E. Johnson to Rio Grande Presbyterian Church (600 Coors Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105).

Albuquerque Journal [NM] 13 Jan 2006