Leander M. Johnson, 83, US Army Veteran

He was born July 23, 1920 in Coalgate, Oklahoma. He was raised in Wetumka Oklahoma, Waldron Arkansas, and Bakersfield, California helping his family on their farms and ranches. He has been a resident of Lorain County since 1953 and of Vermilion since 1973.

He served in the US Army during World War II in the 748th Tank Battalion under General Patton's command where he received the European African Middle Eastern Medal with four Bronze Stars. He was employed by the former Bundy Ford Dealership in Lakewood, now Nick Mayer Lincoln Mercury, for 23 years retiring in 1977 as a mechanic. He also owned and operated the Lazy J Ranch in Vermilion for fifteen years. Mr. Johnson was a past member and past President of the Isaac Walton League Archery Club in Wellington. He was a family man who enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, traveling, boating, and the riding, buying and selling of horses. He was a rodeo cowboy in his younger years.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years Carrie Bell Johnson (nee Crumpler); his son William C. Johnson of Vermilion; his daughter Rachael Nyoka Johnson of Weatherford, Texas; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his brother Bill Rex Johnson of Holdenville, Oklahoma; and his sisters Betty Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Lena McKee of Wetumka, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin Russell and Minnie Lee Johnson (nee Kilburn); by his brother Joyce Johnson; and by his sister Ellen Johnson.

Friends may call Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Hemple Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. from the Chapel at Resthaven Memory Garden; 3700 Center Road, Avon. The Rev. Guy Morton, pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church, Vermilion, will officiate. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Garden, Avon, Ohio.