Charles was born on May 1, 1931 in Salida, Colorado from the union of Charles Homer and Georgia Louise Ramey Johnson.
The family lived in Bond, CO where his father was employed by Denver Rio Grande Railroad, installing track from Denver to Grand Junction. He started First grade in a box car and lived in Minturn, CO for a short time before moving to Grand Junction, CO.
He attended Hawthorne & Lowell Elementary School and later graduated from Grand Junction High school in 1949, joining the United States Navy five days later.
He was in San Diego and Norfolk, VA and then to the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18). In 1952 Charles worked in telecommunications for the Navy and while in the North Atlantic, his ship collided with the U.S.S. Hobson (DD 464). The Wasp then headed back to Norfolk. He was honorably discharged in May, 1953.
He married Virginia Robinson in July of 53 and they moved to Salida, CO to begin his plumbing apprenticeship in a shop owned by a family member. The family moved back to Grand Junction in 1957 where he finished his Journeyman's plumbing training. Five years later he became a Master Plumber and worked for School District #51 and the Grand Junction Regional Center.
After retirement, he drove for Avis Car Rental for 18 years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
He loved watching football and playing Poker. He bowled twice a week for forty years and played golf every chance he had.
He was a Master Mason, a member of the Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge.
Charles leaves behind his wife of sixty-nine years, Virginia Robinson Johnson, a son Rodney Johnson, two grandsons, Charlie (Brielle) and David. Other survivors include two great-granddaughters, Alissa and Elle and two great-grandsons, Grant and Dane and a cousin, Don Ramey.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Robby and Randy and one granddaughter, Sarah.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 24, 2022 at Martin Mortuary and a committal service to follow at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado at 3:00 p.m.
