Carl A. Johnson Jr.'s Obituary
Carl Alfred Johnson, Jr. born March 27, 1927 in Muskegon, Michigan to Verna McCormick and Carl Alfred Johnson, Sr. passed away August 27, 2014 at the age of 87 of cancer. A 1950 graduate of Muskegon High School he served as a “Big Red” cheerleader, and played piano in the Jimmy James Orchestra Dance Band. In June 1945, Carl graduated Magna Cum Laude and Salutatorian of his class of 300. He served as President of Student Council, President of his Senior Class, and voted the most likely to succeed. One week after graduation, he was inducted into the United States Air Corps Reserve. He was processed to Keller Field in Biloxi, Mississippi where he started his training to become an Air Cadet. In December 1945, Congressman John Engel from the 9th Michigan Congressional District appointed Carl to the United States West Point Military Academy of West Point, New York. He prepared for examinations for entry while he attended Amherst College. In June 1946, he finished Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Carl received his notification papers to report to the Military Academy in July of 1946. He played piano in the West Point Cadet Dance Band. Carl was also Secretary of the West Point Honor Code System. After 4 years at the Academy, he graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree as Captain. In a class of 678 he ranked 61. After he selected to pursue the Air Force, the Korean War broke out. Carl applied for single engine jet fighter training receiving an assignment at Williams AFB in Phoenix. He received his wings in July 1951 in Phoenix, Arizona. Carl enjoyed flying solo, formation and acrobatics. He was sent to Tokyo, Japan where he flew a single seater F80 jet fighter plane. Carl flew 100 missions in the F-84. During his time as Captain, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Air Medals, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nations Service Medal. Back in the U.S. Carl became a B-57 pilot instructor. In years to come, he enjoyed his own four seater Cessna 182 in Muskegon. In 1962, Carl retired from the military and began a career with his father at Port City Machine and Tool in Muskegon Heights, Michigan where he would complete his years as President of the Company. During these years he built a new plant and brought the small conventional machine and tool shop into a high-technology, computer-aided design and manufacturing company. Carl was a member of Central Methodist Church, charter member of the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, member of the Muskegon Y.M.C.A. Men’s Noon Club, Muskegon Jaycees, Grand Haven Rotary, Board of Directors/Vice President, Muskegon Chapter of the NTMA National Tooling and Machining Association Board of Directors and President. He also belonged to the West Michigan Banjo Band and played keyboard, until he retired in 2013 at the age of 86. His first wife was Rosemary Johnson of Muskegon and they had four sons: Terrance (Sherri) Johnson of New Hampshire, Curtis Johnson of Bellaire, Carl Johnson III of Muskegon and Gordon (Barbara) Johnson of Muskegon. On April 30, 1976 families were combined when he married Darlene Dewald Johnson of North Muskegon, Kevin Todd (Tonja) Dewald and Randall Jon (Cynthia) Dewald were added for a family of 6 sons. Carl also leaves the following grandchildren: Chelsie and Gavin Johnson; Amanda, Kimberly, and Jason Johnson; Jennifer Kiel, Alyssa Johnson, Laura Johnson; Elise Dewald, Jack Dewald; Erica Dewald, Amaya Dewald; and two great grandchildren: Alexander and Lily Kiel. Carl and Darlene were married for 38 years. They have traveled all over the world and for their 25 anniversary, and enjoyed a month long European cruise. FUNERAL SERIVCES will be 11 AM Wednesday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. VISITATION with the family will be 2-4 & 6-8 Tuesday. Burial will take place in Laketon Twp. Cemetery. Memorial Contributions to the Muskegon Y.M.C.A. – Camp Pendalouan or Central United Methodist Church will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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