Kermit H. Johnson's Obituary
Kermit Hinton Johnson
Kermit (Buster) Johnson, a lifelong Tacoma resident, passed away peacefully in his home, among family members, on January 5, 2014 at the age of 92. Born on June 15, 1921 as the fourth child of Carl G. Johnson and Lyda E. (Osness) (Johnson) Patterson, he was brother to 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Kermit is survived by his children, Edward A. LaCross (Beverly), Fred D. LaCross (Teri), Ellen L. (LaCross) (Johnson) McMullen (Jerry), Carolyn S. (Johnson) Knaack, Christine E. (Johnson) Nighswonger, 3 grandchildren (Carl D. Nighswonger, Craig S. Nighswonger, and Cara (McCuin) Nuon), 3 great grandchildren (Cole, Maya and Jaxson), and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren from his extended families. Kermit is also survived by his sister Janice (Johnson) Pim, brother-in-law Kenneth Pim, and sister-in-law Barbara Hartloff. Preceding him in death is his beloved wife Olive Elaine, his infant son (unnamed) and his grandson, John S. Verba.
Kermit attended Whitman Grade School, Stewart Middle School and Lincoln High School. As a younger man, quite a good golfer, he caddied at Fircrest Golf Course in Tacoma.
Kermit was a World War II Veteran, serving in the United States Navy. He was very proud to have served his country.
He worked various times as a bartender, serving in such historical places as the Top of the Ocean, the Wild West Veteran’s Club, and the Doric Hotel for the T.A.C. Club. His career was a Teamster Dairy Worker, starting at Meadowsweet Dairy. He retired from Foremost Foods where he worked for many years. Having made ice cream as one of his positions at the dairy, ice cream became a prominent staple at his house!
Throughout his life, he was known for his love for horses. Among his favorite activities were fishing, singing, gardening, apple picking, playing pinochle, “betting the ponies” and “playing the slots”.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 3:00pm in the Celebration of Life Center at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A remembrance gathering will follow in the Willow Room.
We ask that any memorials be sent to a charity of your choice.
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