Lee H. Johnson

Lee H. Johnson, 74, passed away on Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. He was born on Dec. 18, 1929 at Conway, South Carolina the son of Leo and Reba (Martin) Johnson.

Lee received his early education in Conway and continued in Charleston before joining the Navy at the age of 17. He was able to complete his GED and two years of college while active duty. Lee retired in 1965 and after returning to North Carolina, went to work for Mosler Safe & Coin. He worked in Tennessee, Kentucky and California before retiring in Tennessee in 1982. Lee met Nancy R. Hardgrove Ray in 1995 and the couple married on April 10. 1999 in Kalispell. He enjoyed fishing, camping, coin collecting and NASCAR races.

Lee was preceded in death by his father; two brothers; William and Wendall and two sisters: Letha Jones and Elizabeth Speers. He is survived by his wife Nancy; his mother Reba Sanders of Ridgeway, S. C.; three sons; Michael Johnson and wife Nancy of Hillsboro, Ore.; Matthew Johnson of Molalla, Ore.; and Mitchell Johnson and wife Deann of Auburn, Washington; one daughter: Melissa Glad and husband Joe of Portland, Oregon; five step children; Laurie Severson of Dayton, Tammy Gossett, Robert Hardgrove and wife Katrina; and Schrie Jones and husband Eric all of Kalispell; and Boon Hardgrove of Columbia Falls. He is also survived by a brother: Al Sanders on Winnsboro, S. C.; a sister Gail Derrick and husband Jay of Virginia twenty-two grandchildren and seventeen great grand children.

Funeral services for Lee Johnson were held Wednesday, Nov. 3, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Dan Wurster of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Urn burial followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell, MT 59901.