JOHNSON JR., Henry C.

Mohave Daily News, Mohave Valley, AZ - Published in Mohave Daily News Online from Dec. 30, 2011 to Jan. 8, 2012 - Henry C. Johnson Jr., age 77, a 18-year resident of Bullhead City, Ariz., passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, on his 77th birthday at home surrounded by his family after a long and valiant struggle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Henry or "Junior" as he was often called, was the life of every party and a devoted friend to all. He was born to Henry Clifford Johnson, Sr. and Masie Johnson in Chadron, Neb. on December 21, 1934. He spent his childhood on a farm in Hay Springs, Neb. He was a high school football and baseball star and went on to star in football at Chadron State College where he set several records that weren't broken for over twenty years. He remained a sport enthusiast throughout his life, and was a Cornhuskers fan through and through! His Huskers flag could be seen waving from the Chaparral Golf course on many a game day. After serving in the Army for two tours, he settled down in Valencia, Calif., where he, and his first wife Karen, raised their three children, Michael, Kim and Randy. He was a successful building contractor, and worked on several large scale projects. After marrying his second wife, Debbie, the couple decided to move to Bullhead City. Although his original plan was to retire, he became a home inspector. He and Debbie had a full and happy life together, playing lots of golf and entertaining friends. He remained very active up until the last months of his life, and insisted on living on his terms. His hearty laugh, enormous smile and bear hugs, will be remembered by all who knew him. Henry was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Masie Johnson; brother, Bud Johnson; son, Michael Johnson; and niece, Lillie Moreland. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Johnson; son, Randy (Gretchen) Johnson; daughter, Kim Johnson; two sisters, Joanne (Chet) Moreland of Bullhead City, and Betty Goff of Burlington, Wash.; brother Don (Sandy) Johnson of Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren, Cody, Courtney, Hannah, Peyton and Samantha; and in addition, he will be greatly missed by his many nephews, nieces, and countless friends. A celebration of Henry's life will start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2011 at St. Johns Lutheran Church, 1664 Central Ave., Bullhead City, Ariz. The celebration will continue at Chaparral Country Club, 1260 East Mohave Drive, Bullhead City, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations will gratefully be accepted for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org), or Boys and Girls Club of Bullhead City, 2250 Highland Road, Bullhead City, AZ., 86442.