Galen Johnson

Galen Johnson
4/5/1923 - 2/13/2008

Johnson, Galen, 84, passed away on February 13, 2008 in Roseville, Calif. He was born April 5, 1923 in Wiville, Arkansas. He was the youngest of 4 children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Ed and Nell Johnson; his brother, Lathe Johnson; his sisters, Mae Wright, Jean McCormick; grandson, Danny Haines; and his beloved wife of 64 years Hazel Johnson. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Susan Johnson of Placerville; daughter, Joyce Daniels of Modesto; and grandchildren, Mark, Rachel, Andy and Erin; great-grandchildren, Karley, Logan, Silas, Roman and Adam. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was always known for having a word of encouragement or a little treat for the children. He will be missed by many.
He was the son of a timber contractor, he spent his childhood growing up in the back woods logging camps where he learned to hunt, fish and trap, skills that he enjoyed and used throughout his life. As a teenager, he was a member of CCC's and worked on projects throughout Missouri and Arkansas. In 1943 he met and married Hazel Stillman in Benton, Arkansas. Except for his time in the service, they were together for the rest of their lives until 2005 when Hazel passed away. A veteran of World War II, he served with the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He earned three Bronze Stars, one for action in New Guinea, one in Manila, and a unit citation for his participation and rescue of 2,122 civilian prisoners at Los Banos Prison Camp in the Philippines. After working and raising his family in Southern California, he returned to Arkansas to work with his brother's produce business and as a Security Guard at the State Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. After retirement he returned to Northern California to be near his children. He joined the Southern Baptist Church of Auburn. He became a Deacon and worked for over 20 years until his health required him to slow down.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Bell Road Baptist Church, 707 Bell Rd., Auburn, CA.