Gerald Harlan Johnson, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of a hero, our “Lanny”, Dad and Grandpa. Gerald H. “Lanny” Johnson, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Eagar, Friday, September 9, 2016 at the age of 69. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois April 13, 1947. In 1956 his family relocated to Tucson where he met and grew up with special friends who remained close to him throughout his life. He graduated from Sunnyside High School in Tucson in 1966 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967. A hero during his service; in 1968 he was injured and awarded the Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam and returned home to Tucson where he married the love of his life, Linda, on August 30, 1969. They were married for 47 years with give and take, ups and downs, laughs and cries with true love binding it all. “Lanny” and Linda raised two daughters, Laurie and Lisa who made him very proud. Although he was a private person, “Lanny” believed in his own civic duty and served a term on the Sahuarita School Board. After a career with Goodyear and Cobre Tire in mining operations, “Lanny” and Linda moved from Sahuarita to Eagar to enjoy the mountains and scenery that he loved. In 2010 They moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to be close to their beloved grandchildren, Larissa and James. Although “Lanny” avoided crowds, he loved to have long conversations with almost anybody. Friends agree that one could not talk to “Lanny” without hearing about how much he loved and cherished his family. His pride in them was open at all times. Devotion to his children and grandchildren was second only to the ceaseless love he held for his wife, Linda. “Lanny” and Linda recently returned to live in Eagar in the home he loved most. His stories and his unconditional love for his family will be forever missed. “Lanny” is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson; daughters, Laurie Lum and Lisa Johnson; grandchildren, Larissa Lum and James Lum; son-in-law, Jeffrey Lum; brothers, Randy Johnson and Neil Johnson; and nephews, Daniel Judd and Eric Barr. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald H. Johnson and Margaret I. Johnson and sister, Peggy Judd. The family will have a private memorial. “Many believe at some point we will all get to be with the Lord. But it is not up to us to decide when and where” – LJ