William Thomas Johnson, 92, of Allegan, a native of Watson Township, died Thursday, March 9, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Born Oct. 9, 1924, in Watson Township, he was the son of the late Eugene Elbert Johnson and Hazel Minnie Dokey Johnson and was the husband of the late Lucetta Annette Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Hopkins High School, Class of 1943.
After graduation he went on to serve in the United States Navy as a machinist mate aboard the ill-fated light cruiser, USS Houston, during World War II. The Houston was torpedoed twice in the Pacific. They were patched up in dry dock to in order to get them back to Brooklyn Navy Yard to be repaired and then cruised on back to the Mediterranean.
Mr. Johnson was honorably discharged in 1946 and in 1947 he married Lucetta. Together they enrolled at Michigan State and eventually the couple settled back in Allegan and ran their own florist shop together for more than 20 years. He also worked for Allegan Public Schools for more than 25 years prior to retirement and was the director of building and grounds.
He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, a member of the Lions Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge, all for over 60 years, and he had been a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #91.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his children, William and Heather Johnson of Grand Rapids, Grant and Mary Johnson of Allegan and Robin Johnson and Mark Colborn of Bellingham, WA; grandchildren, Brandon, Cody, Andrea, Ryan and Regan; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Bradley; his sister, Valda Horn; and his brother-in-law, Howard Hildebrand. Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Brad Johnson.
A celebration of Mr. Johnson’s life will take place a later date.
A sad loss for our nation. The USS Houston (CL-81) was the second Cruiser in WWII to be named Houston. The first was sunk early in the war in a gunfight, outnumbered almost 12 to 1. A man named William Johnson died in the action. The next USS Houston had William Thomas Johnson as a crew member. The second Houston continued the fight; she earned three battle stars and a reputation as a ship that went in harm’s way.
Badly damaged twice in battle, her crew including William T. Johnson fought the enemy, the fires, the sea and battle damage to bring their crippled ship home. A great American who fought bravely onboard a good ship. We should never forget him, his ship or his service.
Amen brother, Amen. We are losing more everyday.