Gary D. Johnson, Sr.

Decorated Vietnam War hero, Gary D. Johnson, Sr., died Saturday, January 2, 2010 at his daughter's home in Show Low, Arizona following an 18 month battle with lung cancer. He was 67 years old. Gary was born on February 20, 1942 in Mill Creek, Illinois to the late Carl and Lucille (Poole) Johnson. Being very patriotic and, while still attending high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He served faithfully for 20 years in the army before receiving his honorable discharge, at which time he retired from the military. During his service to this great nation, he spent 2-1/2 years in Vietnam. It was while serving there that he was exposed to the chemical, agent orange, which ultimately lead to his lung cancer and early death. It was, also, while serving in Vietnam, that he received 3 Bronze Stars for bravery and valor. As a young man, he met the girl of his dreams, the former, Mary Brownell. They both were stationed at Ft. Benning in Georgia. After a 3 month courtship, the couple was married on November 25, 1961 and, most recently, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary together. Throughout their marriage they lived in several places. He was stationed in South Korea as well as Germany for several years. Gary was a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign War and was a familiar face at Show Low's Post #9907. Gary retired from the United States Army in 1979 and moved to Arizona from Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1981. He and his sweet wife, Mary, were able to travel all over The United States in several R.V.s for many years. Since moving to Show Low, here in the beautiful White Mountains, Gary worked at American R.V., where he was a great employee for his friend, Larry. Gary had on his "bucket list" a dream to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.; a dream he was not able to fulfill, but his family was. They went in his stead and laid, at that sacred place, a special memorial for him. Being the caring, loving and giving man that he was, Gary gave the ultimate gift by donating his body to Life Legacy in Tucson to further, specifically, the advancement of medicine. This incredibly selfless man will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him, however, none will miss him more than his family. Gary D. Johnson, Sr. is survived by: his wife, Mary Johnson of Show Low, Arizona; 3 children: Howard Johnson (Carla Long) of Concho, Arizona, Liz Law (Joey) of Show Low, Arizona, Gary Johnson, Jr. (Alana) of Show Low, Arizona; 3 brothers: Bill Johnson of Lebanon, Indiana, Bob Johnson (Annette) of Lebanon, Indiana, Terry Johnson (Paula) of Shelbyville, Indiana; 5 sisters: Sue Bigham (Joe "Joey") of Lebanon, Indiana, Debbie Wells (Wayne) of Lebanon, Indiana, Joyce Dremons of Lebanon, Indiana, Barb Eavey (Larry) of Yuma, Arizona, Pat Rader (Phil) of Perrigold, Arkansas; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Recitation of the Rosary will be held Friday - February 19, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Rita's Catholic Church 1400 E. Owens Street in Show Low. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Reverend Fr. Joe Blonski, beginning 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 20, 2010 (which would have been Gary's 68th birthday) at St. Rita's Catholic Church, After the funeral mass there will be a formal procession to the Veterans of Foreign War, Show Low Post #9907, where military honors will be rendered by the V.F.W. Honor Guard. The family warmly invites all to attend and join them for the reception that will follow. Memorial contributions, in his name to: The White Mountain Hospice Foundation, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 or to Life Legacy, 6825 E. Outlook Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706 have been suggested by his family.