Merle E. Johnson

Merle E. Johnson of Columbus died Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

Merle E. Johnson was born August 30, 1927 in Valley County, Nebraska to Clarence and Margaret (Banks) Johnson. He grew up in Burwell and graduated from Burwell High School in 1945. After attending the University of Nebraska, Merle served in the Merchant Marines and toured the world. On June 24, 1950 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Glur in Kansas. Merle worked as an electrician in Kansas and Colorado Springs, CO before coming to Columbus in 1959 where he started Johnson Electric, Inc. He constructed the first all-electric home in Columbus and was a lifelong member of the IBEW. Merle retired from Johnson Electric, Inc. in 1988 but continued to participate in the management of the families rental property. Merle was also the developer and part-owner of Westbrook Lanes. He served on the Lower Loup Natural Resources District Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of First Nebraska Bank at its inception, and the Columbus City Council. He was a member of the Masonic Lebanon Lodge #323, the Nebraska York Rite of Freemasonry, the Sesostris Shriners in Lincoln, Eagles Aerie 1834, and St. Lukes United Church of Christ. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, reading, gardening, woodworking, and later in life he had a passion for bird watching. Merle was an avid Nebraska Football and Volleyball fan. Merle traveled extensively throughout his life to locations all over the world. Some of his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his grandchildren.

Merle is survived by:
Wife Carolyn Glur Johnson of Columbus
Son Mark (JoAnn Bos) Johnson of Columbus
Son Steve (Jeanne Olson) Johnson of Columbus
Daughter Ruth (Ron) Ring of Lexington, KY
Grandchildren-Benjamin and Lucas (fiance' Kasey Rose) Ring of Lexington, KY, Katie (Adam) Locklar of Atlanta, GA, Jacob F. Johnson of Columbus, Andrea Johnson of St. Paul, MN, Becky Johnson of St. Cloud, MN and Danny Johnson of Columbus
Great-Grandchildren-Caden, Naomi, Noelle, and Cale Locklar of Atlanta,GA
Brother Sterling Sam (Kathy) Johnson of Columbus
Sister Sherry Brannen of Thousand Oaks, CA
Sister-in-law Martha Johnson of Thousand Oaks, CA
Brother-in-law Clifford Neil Newman of Columbus
Many Nieces and Nephews

He is preceded in death by:
Parents Clarence and Margaret Johnson
Brother Richard Johnson
Sister Phyllis Newman

Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital