Earl Russell Johnson

Earl was born to Earl and Fanny Rose Johnson in Clarinda, Iowa on March 22, 1924. He was the second of five children. At age twelve Earl and his family moved to rural Washington County in Oregon. He attended Rathdrum High School in Idaho his freshman and sophomore year and returned to Oregon to complete his schooling at Forest Grove High School and then Banks High School.

Earl worked in many of the berry farms in the Cornelius area. He eventually worked himself in to supervisor positions and was known for his leadership and work ethic.

Earl was drafted in to the Army in 1947 where he was trained as a tank driver in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was an office clerk in the Army of Occupation in Japan. He served under General MacArthur. At the end of service he returned to Portland and went to work for Del Monte Meat Company for over 20 years as a truck driver and dock foreman. In his later years he worked for Collins and Wilmes and Rich and Rhine. Earl retired at age 71. He was a long time member of the Gateway Elks Club and had a passion for gardening, travel and friends.

In 1949 he married Rose Antonelli. They were married for 62 years and had two children, Malea and Jeannine. The most important thing in Earl’s life were his wife and children and the extended family of son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had many friends and he took joy in always being there to support those around him.

He is survived by his daughters Malea Mills and Jeannine Cima. Son-in-laws Chris Mills and Ron Cima. Grandchildren Mario Cima, Brian Mills and wife Jordan, Kevin Mills and wife Katie, and Anthony Cima. Five great-grandchildren Landon and Ava Cima, Dominic and Sydney Mills, and Cierra Mills. His sister Lauvan Reed.

Memorial Mass will be at 11:00am Thursday, October 29, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tigard, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Earl Johnson may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation.

National Parkinson’s Foundation

1. Mail Checks to:

National Parkinson’s Foundation

200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800

Miami, FL 33131

2. Make a gift online at: prkorg.convio.net

Please indicate that the gift is in Memory of Earl Johnson.