Proffitt Johnson

Proffitt Johnson, age 89, of Hammond, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2011 at the Walter J. Riley Hospice with family members at his side. He is survived by four children: Janice (Don) Holten of Lima, OH, Ron (Kathi) Johnson of Hammond, IN, Doug (Lois) Johnson of Schererville, IN, and Lisa Johnson of Seneca, MO; nine grandchildren: Dawn (Brian) Travis, Troy (Darcie) Weldon, Melissa (Gary) Tabler, Donnie Holten, Ron and Kelli Johnson, Aimee (Jeremy) Santa, Kari Johnson, and Samantha Mack; five great grandchildren: Corey and Kyle Kronland, Jacob, Abby and Colin Tabler; one sister, Billie Ward; sisters-in-law: Pete and Frances Daniels; son - in - law: Ken Weldon; and many nieces and nephews in the area as well as in North Carolina and Tennessee. Preceded in death by parents: Will and Minnie Johnson; his wife, Helen; daughter, Linda Weldon; brothers: Arnold, Brooks, and Gene Johnson; and sister, Marglee Turbyfill. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 21, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road), Highland, IN with Rev. Joseph J. Anweiter officiating. Burial at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, February 20, 2011 from 2:00- 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Johnson served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and was a WWII U.S. Army veteran serving in North Africa and Italy. He retired from Inland Steel after 25 years. Proffitt was a member of Cline Gardens Christian Church in Hammond, Cranberry NC Masonic Lodge, Inland Steel 25 Year Club, and associate member of Hammond FOP #51 and Disabled American Vets. He was an avid word search fan and always had a puzzle book handy. He loved Wheel of Fortune, playing Old Sol or a good game of cribbage. He made friends everywhere and never met a stranger. His presence will be missed but our memories of him will live on. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cline Gardens Christian Church.