Wilbur L. Johnson
Age 92, of Minerva, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 in the Great Trail Care Center. He was born Sept. 25, 1922 in Salineville to William and Edna (Dorrance) Johnson. Wilbur was a longtime pottery worker in the area, including Cronin China of Minerva and both Limoges China and Royal China of Sebring. He retired from Summitville Tile in 1987. He was a proud US Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater of Operations, with the 83rd Infantry Division, earning all five battle stars, a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He is a member of the Minerva First Christian Church, a graduate of Salineville High School in 1940 and was an avid sports fan, including Minerva High School sports, Cleveland area pro sports and especially The Ohio State football team.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Twila (Slingluff) Johnson who died in 2014; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dean (Donna) Johnson and Kenneth (Ellen) Johnson; and two sisters, Doris Johnson and Jean Riley. He is survived by 3 sons, Terry (Sharen) Johnson of Suffield, Thomas (Deborah) Johnson of Lancaster and David (Shelley) Johnson of Springfield, VA; sister, Lucille Biggs of CA; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson.
Funeral services will be Sunday at 4:00 pm in the Minerva First Christian Church with Pastor Dale Roberts officiating. Calling hours will be 2 hours prior to services from 2-4 pm. A private family burial will be Monday in the East Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Minerva First Christian Church or the Minerva Senior Center.