Marvin Clifford Johnson

Marvin Clifford Johnson, 93 of Gresham OR, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1930 in Marshfield (Coos Bay), Oregon to Eric and Leora Johnson (Chappell). Marvin had a sister, Carol born in 1935, who passed away a few days later. He graduated from Kalama High School and did two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview WA, where he received his Associates Degree in Business.

Marvin joined the Navy in 1951. He served as a Yeoman on the USS Sphinx during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged due to a disability at birth for safety reasons on the ship in November 1953.

During his time in the Navy, he met and married Elsie Lindberg. Elsie had been raising her brother Dick due to their parent’s previous death. Dick then became a foster son to Eric and Leora.

After Marv’s discharge, he and Elsie moved to Warrenton while he worked at the 1st National Bank in Astoria. On January 24, 1961 their daughter Theresa (Teri) Johnson was born – she was the apple of his eye! The family moved around a bit and settled in Klamath Falls, Oregon. After Teri was born, the couple were unable to conceive any more children. They then adopted Scott as a baby after he was born on January 8, 1966.

The family did some more moving around and Marv worked for the bank and hardware stores. Marvin and Elsie divorced in 1971. Marvin met and married Janet (Jan) Jensen in 1972. Jan had two children – Jerry Stoller born in 1964 and Karen Stoller born in 1968. In March of 1975, Marv adopted Karen and the family resided in Gresham, Oregon. While residing in Gresham he worked for 1st Interstate, CIT Financial, Schetky Equipment and FDIC, closing banks.

In 1981, Marvin was taken into the Gresham Care Unit for Alcoholism by his friend and sponsor, Steve. After a couple days in the care unit, Marv said he had an experience while lying on his bed of an extremely bright light and heard the words “Come”! After a few moments, “Welcome” then the light went away! Although he had that experience, there were a lot of struggles in the marriage and the family.

Marv and Jan were divorced in 1991 and then remarried 9/24/1994. Life was not perfect but they stayed together. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary three days after he passed.

Marv and Jan have eight children Teri (Terry Jo), Jerry (Shelley), Scott (Lisa) and Karen (Jeff), 26 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild (including spouses and step-grandchildren). Marv is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, his brother and his daughter Teri. He enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends.

Marvin made his heart right with God during this last year as witnessed by family members. He knew his time was nearing when he was in the hospital a month before his passing. He requested a visit from a family friend/pastor. Although he was not one to say, “I’m sorry”, he showed it in his actions.

A Celebration of Marvin’s Life will be at 1:00pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in the Chapel at The Village Retirement Center, 4501 W Powell Blvd in Gresham, Oregon followed by light refreshments in the Community room. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be donations to Alcoholics Anonymous.