Arthur R. Johnson

Arthur was born on June 1, 1923 in Fleming, Colorado. He was the fourth child of Adoniram and Elise Johnson. He grew up on the farm with four brothers and two younger sisters. There were five students in his graduating class at Harding High School in Sterling, Colorado, three of which were cousins. Arthur enrolled in Pasadena College in 1941 and there met Pauline. World War II interrupted his schooling as he enlisted into the Army Air Corp in December of 1942. During his time of service Art’s plane was shot down over Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and was declared Missing in Action as he and the plane’s crew spent the next seven weeks walking mostly at night over 300 miles to safety with the assistance of local anti-Nazi Partisans. Art came home to his sweetheart, Polly, January 5, 1945 and they were married the same day, with eight hundred people in attendance. Art finished his service to the Air Corp, returned to school and graduated from Pasadena College in 1947. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree from USC in 1949. Art had a long, successful career in education as a teacher, principal, Superintendent, and spent 17 years completing his career in education as Director of Special Education for the Sacramento County Office of Education retiring in 1980. He then organized and acted as administrator of the Liberty Towers School and preschool until retiring again 1986. For the remaining years of his life he turned his attention to the church, serving on various boards and committees, including serving on the Board of Trustees for his college alma mater, Point Loma Nazarene University (formerly, Pasadena College). He was a churchman at heart, and known for His faithfulness and service to his God and his church.

Art is survived by Pauline, his wife, 3 children: Buzz Johnson (Arthur Jr.) of Truckee, CA and his wife Maribess Johnson; Dr. James Johnson of San Diego, CA and his wife Dr. Carolyn Johnson; Faye Gandy of Sacramento, CA and her husband Lyman Gandy; 8 grandchildren: Heidi Vaughn of Truckee, CA and her husband Rick Vaughn; Michelle Highsmith of Rocklin, CA and her husband Randy Highsmith; Bridget Farren of Penyrn, CA and her husband Jason Farren; Keri Johnson, Truckee, CA; Ryan Johnson of Dana Point, CA and his wife Kim Johnson; Nicole Johnson of South Pasadena, CA; Kendall Johnson of San Diego, CA; Jami McCray of Citrus Heights, CA and her husband Michael McCray; 5 step grandchildren: Mark Gandy of Thousand Oaks, CA and his wife Lauri Gandy; Mike Gandy of Agora Hills, CA; Mitch Gandy of Azusa, CA and his wife Jeanette Gandy; Mark Selcon of Truckee, CA; David Selcon of Truckee, CA and his wife Nicola; 14 great grandchildren: Destanie Adams of San Diego, CA; Christian Adams of Rocklin, CA; CA; Ruthanne Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Cooper Sage of Penryn, Jake Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Laura Joyce of Truckee; Dylan Johnson of Dana Point; Hudson McCray of Citrus Heights; Bode Farren of Penryn, CA; Noah McCray of Citrus Heights; Jessie Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Hilary Johnson of Dana Point; Amelia McCray of Citrus Heights, CA; Adella (Addie) Vaughn of Truckee, CA; 7 step great grandchildren: Marcus Gandy of Thousand Oaks, CA; Brittany Gandy of Thousand Oaks, CA; Nathaniel Gandy of Azusa, CA; Naomi Gandy of Azusa, CA; Attikus Highsmith of Rocklin, CA; Anakin Highsmith of Rocklin, CA; Nehemiah Gandy of Azusa, CA. Siblings: Calvin Johnson of Sterling, CO and his wife Beverly Johnson; Marion Lynch of Sterling, CO and her husband Hugh Lynch.

The Johnson family has requested, in lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts be

designated for “The Arthur R. and Pauline Johnson Endowed Scholarship” at

Point Loma Nazarene University. If you would like to give in memory of

Arthur R. Johnson, please make your check out to PLNU with “In Memory of

Arthur Johnson” in the memo section and send to:

University Advancement

Point Loma Nazarene University

3900 Lomaland Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

You may also give on-line using PLNU’s secure web-site at

http://www.pointloma.edu/giving" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pointloma.edu/giving. Please type

“Arthur Johnson Endowed Scholarship” in the Other Designation field.