Fredric Walter Johnson

FREDRIC WALTER JOHNSON, aged 94 years, beloved husband for 63 years to Rose (nee Albert), dear father of Mark, James and the late Douglas, loving grandfather of Madison and Ian, cherished brother of Gordon (deceased) and Dorothy Broz, fond uncle and great-uncle.

The Long Ranger rides again. But these days he’s riding on the ground delivering Meals On Wheels.

During World War II, Lieutenant Fred Johnson served his country as the Pilot of a “B-24 Liberator” with the 307^th Bomb Group of the 13^th Army Air Force. The 307^th became known as “The Long Rangers” following what was considered to be the longest distance sir raid of that era.

Fred received his Baccalaureate Degree in 1951 from Western Reserve University of Cleveland. In 1958 he married Rose, his loving wife of 63 years. Fred and Rose had three sons. Fred especially enjoyed spending time with his sons, participating in many of the activities in which they were involved. He was in Indian Guides. He managed and coached the Little League baseball team. Fred was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for many years and was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #10 in Cleveland Heights. He has been a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since the age of four where he was confirmed in 1940.

During his working years, Fred help many positions, which included Assistant Buyer for The Halle Brother’s Co. Later he went to work for Ohio Bell. “The best position I ever had with Ohio Bell was being assigned to the large accounts division,” says Fred. The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians accounts were included in this group. “I really enjoyed sitting in the Press Box watching the home openers,” says Fred. Among his many accomplishments was the development of the first in-home Computer Programming training at Ohio Bell. Several years later, as a manager of information and education he implemented the first alcohol and drug abuse program for the company. He retired from Ohio Bell in 1984.

Fred became a member of the Hillcrest Kiwanis Club in 1960 and has served as treasurer for 18 years. Kiwanis International is a Worldwide Service Organization appealing men and women who have a desire to become personally involved in making their community a better place in which to live. He was first introduced to MOW when Justin Baum, a fellow Kiwanis Club member, asked if he could fill in for his partner who was unavailable that day. Later another member asked Fred to assist him for the same reason. The Kiwanis Club of Ohio eventually adopted a route who committed to delivering meals two days a week, Fred has been delivering meals for 16 years.

He is an active member of the “Telephone Pioneers of America” which is an organization dedicated to the ‘Service of mankind’ concept.

Fred enjoys golfing, swimming, reading, gardening, the Opera and spending time with his two grandchildren. When asked about his dedication to MOW, Fred Said, “I enjoy the fact that I am able to help someone.” “Sometimes the clients are younger than I,” says Fred, who is now 81. “Just a hot meal for someone,” can go a long way.

As one can see, Fred Johnson was devoted most of his life to serving others. This article cannot possibly contain his many accomplishments and acts of concern for others. However, we have attempted to provide a glimpse of a man who has distinguished himself many times over as being one who never tires of helping others.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to Peace Lutheran Church (Cleveland Hts.). Funeral services Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 at the funeral home at 12 Noon. Burial following with Military Honors in Knollwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Fred at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) THURSDAY 4-7 PM.