JOHNSON, Clifford L.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 20, 2003 Clifford L. Johnson, 1917-2003. Clifford Lester Johnson, 85, a resident of Peoria, Arizona, died Saturday, February 15, 2003. He was born June 9, 1917 in Springfield, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Wallace Johnson, to whom he was married 63 years; his three sons: Terry Johnson and wife Mary of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; Tim E. Johnson and wife Michele of Costa Mesa, California; and Stan Johnson and wife Michelle of Springfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A sister, Betty Harmon and her husband Floyd of Aurora, Colorado, also survived him. His parents, James P. and Ida Johnson of Springfield, Missouri, predeceased him. Long-time residents of Greene County Missouri, Clifford and Jeanne moved to Arizona nine years ago where they enjoyed the warmer climate and made many new friends. He was a member of the West Olive Church of Christ in Sun City, and had formerly served as a deacon of the South National Church of Christ in Springfield. Clifford was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army and received an honorable discharge with the rank of staff sergeant at the end of the War. He saw action in the Philippines and New Guinea. He was employed for more than thirty years with the Railway Express Agency in Springfield. Taking an early disability retirement, he enjoyed gardening and traveling. Clifford made friends easily. He could open a conversation with almost anyone and was counted by many as a dear friend. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the West Olive Church of Christ in Sun City with minister Ray Miller officiating. A funeral service will be conducted in Springfield at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Greenlawn South Funeral Home with minister Dennis R. Smith officiating. Burial will be a Patterson Cemetery south of Springfield. The family will receive friends Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Greenlawn South Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Greene County Heart Association or the charity of choice. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.