On Oct. 19, 2015, Col. Alex J. Johnson, U.S. Army, passed away at the age of 82 in Winter Garden, Fla. from complications of Alzheimer’s.
Alex was a native of Carlyle, Ill. and the eldest son of Noel and Margaret Johnson, both now deceased. Alex was preceded in death in 2007 by his dear wife of 50 years, Ruth Ann, as well as his son Mark Johnson and brother Douglas Johnson in 2008. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sherry; his daughters Cindy Garlick and husband Scott LeGros; Laurie and husband Fabian Kahn; and Susan and husband Bradley Weston; as well as six grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Wayland and wife, Diana Johnson; Phyllis Johnson, widow of his brother Douglas; his sister, Geraldine Oram, widow of Joseph Oram; and his brother Ralph and wife, Sandy Johnson. Also among Alex’s surviving family members are his step daughters Vicki and husband Cliff Smith; Lisa and husband Brad Pence; Patti and husband Tony Worthington; as well as their children and many more beloved members of his blended and extended family.
Although it is hard to sum up Alex’s life in a paragraph, he is best remembered as a man with a strong faith in God. He was both a dedicated leader and servant of the church, wearing many hats from Sunday School teacher to usher to church accountant. Alex was a devoted family man and a generous supporter of those in need. He carried these virtues through his 28 years in the United States Army, retiring as a decorated officer and war veteran. After the Army, Alex used his vision and experience in co-founding JB Management, a business that he saw flourish with its greatest successes yet to come.
Alex was truly blessed to spend his last years blissfully in love with his dear wife, Sherry. The two were devoted to one another, enlivened each day by the delights of humor, conversation and adventure. Sherry and Alex both felt like they had lived a lifetime of love together.
In the comfort of his last healthy years, Alex would often reflect on the blessings of his life, come after years of hard work. He would then playfully say, “Ain’t too bad for a country boy, is it ?!” Alex will be dearly remembered.
A Memorial Service will be held on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. at Burke United Methodist Church, 6200 Burke Center Parkway, Burke.
Burial TBD at Arlington National cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation or Wounded Warriors.