Clarence Wilson Johnson

Clarence Wilson Johnson of Bellbrook, OH passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019. He was born April 13, 1937 in London, KY to O.R. and Nora Johnson, and was one of 12 children. He grew up on a farm in a small 4 room house, sleeping 4-5 kids to a bed. It was a very hard life, but he said, “Mom and Dad raised us right.” He left the farm at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War in Fire and Rescue.

One of his happiest memories was when he met his soul mate, Gloria, in 1956. They were married April 19, 1958 in Aliquippa, PA, and celebrated their 61st Anniversary this past April. They raised their three children, Ed, Valerie, and Cindy in Lebanon, OH, and eventually relocated to Bellbrook, OH after retirement.

He was known by several endearing names throughout his lifetime. His brothers and sisters called him “Wilson”, his wife’s family called him “John”, and his work buddies knew him as “Clarence.” After retirement he was lovingly known as “Pops,” but his favorite names were “Pap, Grandpa and Papa”. He adored his grandchildren and loved having them around him as much as possible. He supported them in all their activities and was a constant source of encouragement. He loved teasing them and hearing them laugh, and he would do anything in the world for them, no questions asked.

Clarence retired from General Motors after 30 years, yet continued to work, spending many years farming hay with his son-in-law. He loved to go hunting and fishing and listen to country and blue grass music. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW and was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio for 38 years. Most of all he was devoted to his wife and family and loved them all unconditionally. Clarence was a strong, proud and good man. He was loved by all who knew him and had a heart and smile larger than life. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gloria; children Ed (Patty) Johnson, Valerie (Gregg) Conley, and Cindy (Kim) Renfrow; grandchildren, Eddie Johnson, Christina (Chris) Bowman, Rachael (Mike) Combs, Audrey Renfrow, Elise Renfrow, Josh (Amber) Renfrow, Zach (Becky) Renfrow, and great-grandchildren Isabelle Bowman, Annabelle Renfrow and Gavin Renfrow; sister, Marie; brother, Shellie, as well as numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, O.R. & Nora Johnson; brothers, Claude, John, Jim, Elzie, and Jeff; sisters, Donnis, Eva, Hazel and Jewell.

A visitation will take place from 5-8pm on Friday, January 10, 2020 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME- BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. The funeral service will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the funeral home. Final resting place will be Miami Valley Memory Gardens. Following burial services, a reception will be held at ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.