Leon “Brother” Paul Johnson passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola, FL on January 17, 2013. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday the previous month. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Leon P Johnson, Sr. and Clara Giri Johnson and his two brothers, Francis Johnson and Warren Johnson.
Leon was born in Pensacola, FL, the middle son of Leon P. Johnson, Sr. and Clara Giri Johnson; he graduated with the first graduating class of Pensacola Catholic High School in 1942. Leon married Ann M. Hagerty in 1946 and together they had three children, Katherine, David and Susan. In 1974, Leon married Frances S. Watson. He owned and operated a very successful plumbing business in Pensacola until a heart attack forced him to retire in 1984. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of Pensacola, FL.
Leon was devout in his faith and love for the Lord. He read the bible everyday and from cover to cover a dozen or more times. He attended Pace Assembly of God Church where he taught Sunday school for twenty years. Leon loved his family and bragged about every accomplishment of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Leon loved his country and after high school enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served aboard the USS Saratoga CV-3 during WWII. One of the highlights of his later years was his trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington DC aboard the second “Emerald Coast Honor Flight”. He also loved his work and was always whistling, humming or singing when he was busy. He had a photographic memory and a gift for details and delighted in bringing alive the stories from his past. He was a wealth of information on the history of Pensacola and happily shared it whenever asked.
Leon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Frances S. Johnson of Pensacola, FL, his three children, Katherine J. DelGrande (Richard) of Roseville, CA, David P. Johnson (Kathy Shutler) of St. Petersburg, FL and Susan E. Johnson (Scott Green) of Anthony, FL, his stepchildren, Gary L. Watson of Montgomery, AL and Pamela J. Watson of Navarre, FL, his grandchildren, Michael P. Chinn (great grandchildren Ashley, Emily, Andrew Chinn), Christopher N. DelGrande, Ryan C. DelGrande and Delia J. Watson, (great grandson Lian Reeves).
A celebration of Leon’s life will be held on Tues. Jan 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home with burial to follow at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 12:30 until 1:00 pm before the service.
Leon’s children would like to thank his wife, Frances, for her constant care and devotion during his many visits to the hospital and care home. Leon’s family would also like to thank the many dedicated staff members at the Life Care Center of Pensacola for their excellent care of our dad during his frequent visits and also to the Pensacola Hospice team Covenant Hospice who made it possible for him to spend his final days in his home. The dedication you bring to to your patients and their families is truly appreciated.
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