Sgt.First Class Thermon Johnson (US Army Retired)'s Obituary
After battling a long illness, Sgt. First Class Thermon Johnson (US Army Retired), 84, passed away from this world to join the Lord and to be reunited with his family on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11:35pm in Lakewood, WA.
He was born on June 11, 1930 in Monroe, Louisiana to Albert and Nettie (Finister) Johnson Sr. Having lost his parents at an early age, he was sent to Portland, Oregon to be raised by his eldest Brother Samuel Johnson and his wife Lucille. He joined the US Army at a very early age and was sent to his first round of duty stations overseas in Japan, Okinawa and Korea. His state side duty stations included Ft Lewis, WA and Ft. Hood, TX.
Sgt. First Class Thermon Johnson served our Country during the Vietnam and the Korean conflicts. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals. After honorably serving 28 years, he retired from the US Army and went on to work for the VA Medical Center at American Lake. Thermon retired again from Federal Service, after working 20 years at the VA Medical Center.
Thermon met his beloved wife, Chiyoko Johnson, in Yokohama, Japan and married on October 31, 1957. They enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage and traveled through several duty stations until they made Lakewood, Washington their home. Thermon and Chiyoko raised their daughter, Patricia and grandson, Miguel “Aki-chan.” Thermon Johnson was a wonderful Husband, Father and Grandpa. He was lovingly called “Jiji” (Grandpa in Japanese) He also loved his four pound pet dog “Chibi.” (Tiny one)
Thermon was a friendly person. He met no strangers. Those who came in contact with him will miss his wonderful sense of humor. Thermon had many life-long friends and would make new friends easily. He was an avid mushroom hunter and looked forward to each fall season with delight and eager anticipation. He enjoyed being out in the beautiful Northwest forests searching for matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms.
Thermon Johnson was preceded in death by his parents and all ten siblings. He is survived by his wife, Chiyoko, daughter Patricia (Phillip), grandson Miguel, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
The family extends sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and medical staff who attended to Thermon Johnson’s care. We would like to especially recognize and express our deep appreciation to the staff working at the Community Living Center – VA Medical Center at American Lake, the Multi-Care Regional Cancer Care Center at Tacoma General Hospital and Madigan Army Medical Center.
Memorial services will be held at 11am, Friday, October 3, 2014 at Mountain View Funeral Home Celebration of Life Center Aspen Chapel.
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