Obituary of Earl Lee Johnson

Earl Lee Johnson, the son of Carl W. and Dora May (Parrish) Johnson, was born July 28, 1925.  He was raised in Monmouth, Illinois, graduating from high school with the class of 1943.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1946 serving aboard the USS Quincy. He went on to receive his pilot certificate and ratings.  In October 1949, Earl purchased the flight operations in Newton, Iowa.

On March 5, 1954, Earl was united in marriage with Roberta Vermillion Hotger.  Earl owned and operated Johnson Aviation in Newton, Marshalltown and Grinnell until 1997 and remained a Pilot Examiner until 2004.

Earl died on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his home in Newton.  He was 91 years old.  Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Roberta on October 5, 2004; a great-great granddaughter, Madison Nesbitt; his brothers, Dr. Leland Johnson and Dr. Carl Johnson; and his sister, Thelma V. Johnson May.

Those left to honor Earl’s memory include his step children, Ron F. (Judi) Hotger and Constance Hotger Keig; his grandchildren, Rhonda Hotger Barr, Beth Hotger McCarville, Ellen Hotger, Thomas Keig, Martina Keig Henderson; his many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and a very special friend, Evelyn Kuhns.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3rd at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials may be designated in Earl’s name to the Park Centre Good Samaritan Fund or the donor’s choice and may be left at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.