Vernon J. Johnson, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died peacefully on Dec 18, 2012 at Avow Hospice House, following an eight month bout with cancer.
Born Oct 28, 1928 in Cadillac, MI, he was the fifth child of William and Mary Johnson.
Vernon proudly served in the Korean Conflict, receiving a Good Conduct Metal and Purple Heart. He was educated at Western Michigan University holding three degrees in Education/Administration. This allowed Vernon to realize his life goal of helping youngsters as he was helped by mentors in his formative years. During his educational career, he served as a teacher, coach, administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Vernon was known by his staff, to "run a tight ship," and the needs of the students were always his top priority.
Vernon met his wife of 57 years, Donna E. Eisenhauer at Western Michigan University. They raised three children, Debora (John) Forrester of Alexandria, VA; Lisa Kessler of Augusta, GA; and Ven Johnson of Birmingham, MI.
Surviving him are his wife, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and a sister, Doris Staton of Port Huron, MI.
Vernon was a life member of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. In Naples he was a Charter Member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Chapter #30 and served as an early Chapter President and Membership Chair.
As an active member of North Naples United Methodist Church, Vernon volunteered with Avalon After School Tutoring Program, NNUMC's Wednesday Youth Group and as an usher.
He worked several season on the Habitat for Humanity Project in Immokalee. Vernon's passion was serving at the Guadalupe Soup Kitchen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chapel of North Naples United Methodist Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Sun, Jan 6, 2013 at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Guadalupe Soup Kitchen, 509 Hope Center Circle, Immokalee, FL 34142 or Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
