Robert E. Johnson, 78, Air Force Veteran

Born March 8, 1922 in Elyria, he had been Vermilion resident for 44 years moving from Amherst. He was a veteran of the 8th Army Air Force. He was the general manager of Bob O’Donnell (Kerr Beverage), Lorain for 40 years retiring in 1986.

He was a member of the Vermilion Evangelical and Reformed Church where he had been president of the Consistory, a deacon, and a Sunday School Teacher. He was a member of AMVETS Post 22, Vermilion and the Huron Eagles Aerie # ---. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golf and football.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pauline (nee Urbanik); daughters, Roberta Kearns, Aria, New Zealand, Bonnie Johnson, Aria, New Zealand, Mary Moes, Vermilion and Nancy Chapman, Dorchester, Canada; a son, James Johnson, Arvada, Colorado; 12 granchildren; and a sister, Ruth Mathews, Elyria. He was preceded in death by brothers, Lester and Jim Johnson and his parents, Leon and Hannah (nee Gonyer) Johnson. Friends may call Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct an evening military service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 12 noon at the funeral home. The Reverend Dr. John D. Hood, pastor of the Vermilion Evangelical and Reformed Church, will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, Northeast Ohio Affiliate, Inc., 1689 East 115th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-3988.