George L. Johnson

George L. Johnson, 91, of Fort Wayne, died on July 28, 2013, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, he was born on July 1, 1922, to the late Margaret M. and Lee W. Johnson. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where he met his wife of 57 years, Mary (Anderson) Johnson, who preceded him in death in 2000. He later received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII in the European theatre from 1943-46.George moved to Fort Wayne in 1953 to work at Magnavox, from which he retired in 1987. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne, where he sang in the choir until shortly before his death and was a member of the church’s session and actively supported the church’s music series. George’s love of music was an important part of his life. He played piano and trumpet throughout his school days, leading a dance band in high school and recently playing trumpet in Fort Wayne’s New Horizons Band. He sang in mixed choruses, glee clubs and barbershop quartets and was a member of the University of Kansas A Capella Choir during his school years. Later, he sang in the Kansas City Philharmonic Chorus and sang in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus for many years. He was an active amateur radio operator (ham) until his death and was a founder of Fort Wayne Public Radio Stations, WIPU (now WBNI), where he served on the board of directors. George also served on the board of directors of the Community Harvest Food Bank and due to a love of amateur photography, Artlink. He served on the board of directors of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and sponsored the Philharmonic’s oboe chair. George traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and the world and his computer expertise was often called upon by family and friends. He had a fine memory for old song lyrics and enlivened many social occasions by flawlessly reciting long Robert Service poems.

He is survived by his companion of years Nancy F. Archer; and son Lee (Kelly) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret (Johnson) Anderson.

Memorial service will be held at 11a.m. Friday August 2, 2013, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Homes, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, with calling from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to service. Memorial donations may be given to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, or the music department of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne.