Howard "Mel" Johnson Jr.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Cora Johnson, and his sister, Barbara Dodge. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette; daughters, Carrie (David) Maher and Christina Seals; step-children, Craig (Marci) Willems and Heather (Michael) Bartlett; and grandchildren, Cora-Ann and Connor McMahon.

Mel was born in Charleston, South Carolina on September 4, 1942. At a young age, his family moved to Kansas City, MO. He enjoyed playing football and golf through his school years. Mel graduated from Wentworth Military Academy and College, later attending Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University.

Mel married in 1968, had two daughters, and his family later moved to Southern California. Following a divorce in 1982, he and Jeannette married in 1985 in Orange County, CA . Mel and Jeannette moved to Colorado in 2001 where they spent 17 years. In 2019, they retired to Casa Grande, AZ.

Mel’s professional career included insurance claims adjuster, real estate broker, and mortgage sales. His love of golf led him to the golf industry where he was a sales manager for various companies selling golf shirts, clubs, and bags. At the end of his career, he worked in public relations for two auto glass replacement companies. Once retired, he obtained his insurance license, sold pre-need insurance plans, and assisted at a friend’s funeral home.

Mel was an avid golfer and family man who enjoyed traveling whenever possible. One of his favorite destinations was Las Vegas where he enjoyed blackjack, buffets, and shows. He spread joy to family and friends with his contagious smile, endearing kindness, and jovial conversation.

A memorial service will be held on April 10th, at 11 am at Fairhaven Memorial Services in Mission Viejo, CA.