Russell August Johnson Jr.

1920 - 2010

Russell August Johnson Jr. 1920 - 2010 Russell August Johnson Jr. was born to Russell and Grace Johnson in Los Angeles, CA on September 27, 1920 and passed from our view on October 24, 2010. He was welcomed home by his wife, Doris, who preceded him in death in 2008, his parents, many friends and family members. Russell grew up in Taft, CA, and became a firefighter for the California Division of Forestry in 1940. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 and was stationed in England and France. In 1946, Russell went back to work for what was by then the Kern County Fire Department and rose through the ranks to the position of Fire Marshal in 1951 from which he retired in 1973. Through his work at the fire department he made many friends, most of whom had gone before and were waiting to welcome him back into the ranks. Russell will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and prankster ways and the love and devotion he showed to family and friends throughout his life. Two of his culinary talents, his greasy burgers and his dill pickles will definitely be remembered by all who were lucky enough to get them. He had a great sense of ethics and values by which he raised his children. He was welcoming to all and withheld judgment of others. He truly had a kind and generous heart. Russell married Doris McRee in 1947. They had, and are survived by, three children: Ron Johnson of Bakersfield, Katie Wallace of Salem, Oregon, and Jennie Johnson of Bakersfield. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Beth Riehl, Eric Riehl, Karl Estill, Jill Jackson and Ean Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Adell and Worth Keene; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his caregivers-turned-family, Audie and Marie. Many thanks to Visiting Angels for providing years of good care to both Russell and Doris, and to Hoffmann Hospice for their care, their guidance and their compassion during Russell's last few weeks. Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral services. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. My Dad, now here was a man. www.bakersfield.com/obits