Born February 26, 1924 in Council Bluffs, IA, he was the son of Theron and Elsie (Richardson) Johnson. They moved to Ottawa, KS in 1931.
After graduating from Ottawa High School, Robert went to Texas A&M in College Station, TX, to get his degree in mechanical engineering.
WWII interrupted his college career, and he served in the 103rd Inf. Div., 411th Reg., 2nd Bn., F Co., the “Thorn in Hitler’s Axis”. He was first scout, then radio operator in the European Theater of Operations. Among other ribbons and medals he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
He married Loraine Gleason in 1946, and finished his degree at Texas A&M. After working for Alllis-Chambers in Cedar Rapids, IA for many years, Robert moved his family to Peoria in 1964, to work for Caterpillar Inc., where he held various engineering management positions until his retirement on March 1, 1989.
Quick with a smile and a joke, he thoroughly enjoyed life. He was a member of SAE, the Shriners and VFW Post 814. He also loved being a boy scout, and then a leader.
Most of all, he was devoted to his wife, Loraine, for 71 years, and to his children. He loved traveling, entertaining family, friends and neighbors, music and dancing (especially cheek to cheek ”belly-rubbing” music with Loraine), and listening to her sing.
He is survived by his children, Kathy (Mike) Joop, Kregg (Connie) Johnson, and Karin (Ron) Knickerbocker, special family friend, Julie Custer, six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Loraine, and his son, Kim.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018, 11:00am at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel with visitation one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.
