Earl Johnson

Earl Bernard Johnson, (93) of Sudlersville, MD died peacefully at his home on August 13, 2010. He was born in Flourtown, PA on September 2, 1916, the son of the late, George Russell and Emma Harris Johnson. He grew up in Pennsylvania and was an avid sportsman and loved the outdoors. As a young man he enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball and golf. He was a life member of the Flourtown Volunteer Fire Company. On May 6, 1937 he witnessed the Hindenburg disaster at Lakehurst, New Jersey. Earl served in the Army-Air Force during World War II and was stationed in the Azores and spent time in Italy and northern Africa. After his discharge from the service he met Constance Marie Gill and they married on June 21, 1947. They purchased a small farm outside of Sudlersville and moved there in 1957. Mr. Johnson owned and operated a heating/air conditioning and roofing business for over 40 years. He was an accomplished metal worker and craftsman. He enjoyed farming, gardening and animal husbandry, and he played golf with friends well into his late eighties. Earl was a life member of the Kent & Queen Anne’s American Legion Post #192, and had also belonged to the Millington VFW Post 652, and the Sudlersville Lions Club. He was a member of La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux, an independent, by invitation, honor organization of U.S. veterans, more commonly known as the Forty & Eight. He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Parish in Sudlersville. He attended church well into his early 90s and over the years had served on various committees and the vestry. He is predeceased by a daughter, Jane Anne Kerns, and two brothers, Russell and Edward Johnson. In addition to his wife of 63 years, Constance Marie Johnson, he is survived by a son and two daughters, Timothy G. Johnson and his partner, Dennis Hager of Millington, Mary E. McGinnis and her husband, Bob of Chestertown, and Mildred “Millie” Strong and her husband, Tot of Rock Hall, MD; grandchildren include, Raymond, Thomas and Matthew Strong of Rock Hall, Raymond and his wife, Jessica’s three daughters, Lucy, Rachel and Reese, are Earl’s great grandchildren. Our beloved husband and father will be greatly missed. He was a honorable and loving man, with a quick wit and keen sense of humor. He was slow to anger, quick to smile, and led by example. Earl was a humble man who quietly served others. Although outwardly his was an ordinary life, to his family and friends he was extraordinary. His absence has left a void in our lives that will not be easily filled. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Chestertown, MD. Interment will be in the Church Garth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrews Chapel, P.O. Box 38, Church Hill, MD 21623. Arrangement by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newman Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Earl Johnson

September 2, 1916 - August 13, 2010