Roger Earl Johnson

Roger Earl Johnson, aged 94, died Saturday, May 9, 2009. Born December 3, 1914 he attended Marshall H.S., graduating in 1931. He attended college at Western Michigan University where he met and married Ellen Kate Perry. Their children, Tom, Bob, Laura, John and Sally, grew up in Marshall then moved to the west coast. He worked to provide for his family and was elected in 1962 as a State Senator from the 20th district then became Assistant Secretary of State. Widowed in 1967, he married Maryann Wilcox, a mother of four. They retired to Florida. Her extended family, living near Battle Creek, grew to love Grandpa Roger as their own. Maryann died in 2006. Roger, returned to Battle Creek, to be cared for in assisted living facilities and by Maryann's extended family. His friends and family will always remember him as a very decent man. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-8pm. A graveside service will be held at 10am on Thursday at Oakridge Cemetery.