Russell D. Johnson
Russell D. Johnson passed away peacefully at his home, in his favorite chair, comforted by his beloved wife, Arlene, the evening of Aug. 19, 2018.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. A graveside service, with full military honors will follow directly after in Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Russell (Russ) was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Sept. 28, 1933. As a young man, he enlisted in the National Guard in Lewiston, Idaho. Later, he reenlisted in the Air Force and served in Japan during the Korean War as a Morse code specialist. After the war, he returned to his hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho, and worked as a lumberjack. There, he met Arlene; they were married in 1959. That same year, the young couple moved to Pocatello, where Russell attended Idaho State College. Russell majored in teaching with emphases on psychology and fine art. During his years at ISC, he held many part-time jobs, but two he spoke most favorably about were the Railway Express Agency and Garrett Freight Lines. He left college just before graduating to accept a full-time position at the INEL. Russell retired after 25 years with fond memories and deep gratitude for all the friendships he made during his time in college, “out at the site,” and in his neighborhood.
He spent his retirement traveling, fishing, and working with his wife continuously on the upkeep of their beautiful lawn, fruit trees, and gardens. He is remembered as a kind, generous, hard-working man who was very brave and strong, who played the harmonica well, who valued a good sense of humor, and who loved his family with all of his heart.
His parents; his sisters, Faye (Keith) Smith, and Gerry (Joe) Venishnick; and his brother Robert (Elaine) Johnson preceded him in death.
He is survived by his younger brother, Ron (Linda) Johnson; his wife of fifty-nine years, Arlene; and his children, Lori (Mike) Beer, Sylvia (Shawn Carroll) Johnson, Cynthia (Chris) Taylor, and Jason (Mary) Johnson, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to sign Russell’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.