Elmo Mo Keeling Johnson

Elmo Keeling "Mo" Johnson, 88, of Midlothian, departed from us on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. He retired as general manager-distribution services from C & P Telephone Company after 44 plus years and always said he "loved every minute of it." In July 1942, after having just met his future bride in April, Mo was drafted. After basic training, he went to OCS and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in January 1943. He came home (Norfolk) to give his girl a ring and returned to prepare for service in the Army Signal Corps, Patton's Seventh Army in the European Theatre, where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and later attained the rank of Captain while in the Army Reserve. Nine days after his return in August, 1945, he was married and soon returned to C & P to start his new life. Though he started his phone career in Norfolk, he also worked in Lynchburg, Washington D.C., Roanoke and had four assignments in Richmond. While in Roanoke, he served as chairman of the United Way Campaign in 1977, with the goal being exceeded. He also was a member of Cave Spring UMC and the Shenandoah Club. In Richmond, he was a former member of the now gone Rotunda Club-Jefferson Hotel and was a current member of Mt. Pisgah UMC and The Salisbury Country Club in Midlothian. Along with his passion for his work, he enjoyed sailing, starting with racing as a teenager (winning silver) and later, with family, cruising from Deltaville on "Cloud 9."

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, June Mann Johnson; his sons, Jeffrey D. Johnson and wife, Heather, of Travelers Rest, S.C., Eric L. Johnson and wife, Deborah of Glen Allen, Va.; two grandsons, Zachary K. Johnson of San Diego, Calif., Nathan L. Johnson of Colorado Springs, Co.; two step-granddaughters, Jessica Collins and husband, Christopher, of Richmond and Erica Bruce of Weehawken, N.J.; one step-great-grandson, Zander Collins.

There will be a memorial service at Woody Funeral Home-Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, on Saturday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow. The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the fourth floor nursing staff at CJW-Johnston Willis Hospital and to Patricia and Val at Hospice of Virginia at Retreat Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Mt. Pisgah UMC, 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive, Midlothian, Va. 23113 or Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Richmond, Va. 23226 would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com.