Larry Calvin Johnson

Larry Calvin Johnson went to his Heavenly home, early morning on December 31, 2015; his wife was at his side. He was at home under hospice care for advanced colon cancer. A native San Diegan, Larry was born February 6, 1952, to Marynell & Lloyd Johnson. He grew up in National City; was a 1970 graduate of Sweetwater High School. Attending college, and receiving a teaching credential from UCLA, Larry returned to the Sweetwater School District, teaching welding/metal fabrication and automotive repair/restoration. In addition to his 38 years there, he also taught evening welding classes and horticulture at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. On retiring from the Sweetwater District, he spent 5 years at Grossmont School District, teaching welding in their vocational program at El Cajon High School.

Larry’s many interests included working on, and restoring, classic cars; especially his Nomads. He bred and raised birds, including exotic pheasants that are still in various zoos here and abroad. Larry was very knowledgeable about plants, as if he was a “walking” Sunset garden book. He referred to everything by its botanical name, and loved walking among all his exotic/rare trees, shrubs, and plants. When on vacation, anywhere, he sought out nurseries to find something new he didn’t have.

Most of all, Larry’s number one passion was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His prayer was that every day, he would be a Light in this world and share Hope. He partnered with various missions ministry, locally and abroad. Not having children of his own, Larry’s additional delight was taking on the responsibility to participate in the care of 2 step-grandchildren; and being “Papa”. This included frequent “educational” trips to the San Diego Zoo, and every museum at Balboa Park.

Larry is survived by his wife, Arlene; his mother, Marynell Johnson; sister, Linda Hendricks and husband Allen; nieces, Jodi and Lori and their families. Arlene’s son Michael Schlotter and wife Chelsea; her daughter, Krista Schlotter; grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Jesse, and Logan (who he missed meeting by 1 day). He will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends that he cherished.

Private viewing for family, at El Cajon Mortuary, is Thursday, January 7, 2016, followed by burial at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Bonita, CA. A Celebration of Life/Memorial reception will be on February 6, 2016 at 1:00 PM; hosted by the Cummings family (his aunt & uncle), 1699 Highland Cove Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075. All are invited to come, share and celebrate. For additional information, Arlene’s email: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, Larry would be honored with donations made specifically for mission’s ministry at Summit Church. That, above all else was his heart’s desire. We enjoy flowers for a brief moment, but mission’s outreach is eternal. The church website is: summitchurchsandiego.org Or, you may also mail donation directly to Summit Church; 3322 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 203, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Please designate “In Memory of Larry Johnson” and it will be directed towards missions.