Charles Hooker Johnson Jr.

JOHNSON - Charles Hooker Jr.,husband, father, school teacher, veteran and friend, passed into eternity on Sunday, September 2, 2007, in Tulsa, OK. On May 13, 1923, he was born to Charles H. Johnson, Sr., and Mary Evans Johnson in Pawnee, OK. He attended Pawnee Public schools and graduated with the class of 1941. He resided in Pawnee until joining the Oklahoma National Guard with the 45th Division, Company B, and 179th Infantry of the Army. Charles, a Purple Heart recipient was wounded during the Anzio Beach invasion after fighting on the beaches of Sicily and Salerno. Upon returning to Pawnee, he met his beloved wife of 57 years, Hazel B. Johnson, who passed away in March of 2007. He attended East Central University in Ada, OK, and received his Bachelors Degree in Education, and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, where he earned his Master's Degree. The couple made their home in Tulsa, where Charles spent 28 years in the classroom teaching Industrial Arts at Edison Jr. High School. He retired in 1982. Charles was known by many names; Jr., Chill, Hook, C.J., Charley, Daddy and Grandpa. He was also known to go out of his way to help family, friends, neighbors, fellow teachers and strangers. After retiring he volunteered with The Military Order of the Purple Hearts, drove Vets to the Veterans Administration and organized reunion groups for the 45th Division and Anzio survivors. In Pawnee he helped to build the Walk of Honor to recognize all the veterans from his hometown. All those he helped will miss his sense of humor and all who love him will dearly miss him. Charles is survived by: 2 sons, Charles H. Johnson III and Kevin M. Johnson, both of Tulsa; daughter, Patti B. Coltman and her husband, Richard; 3 grandchildren, Karissa, James and Marcus, all of Huntley, IL; sister, Ruth Helen Vogel, New York City; 2 nieces, Dana Hicks and husband, Clayton of Pawnee, and Mary Catherine Spires and husband, Ralph of Fallon, NV; and 1 nephew, Paul Johnson and wife, Clara of Brisbane, CA; sister in law, Dorthie Kirkbride and husband, E. R. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Hazel; his parents, Charles and Mary; and 2 brothers, O.O. and Harris Johnson. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Poteet Funeral Home, 600 Illinois, Pawnee, OK 74058. (918) 762-2557 Charles Hooker Johnson, Jr. VIEW AND SIGN THE ONLINE GUEST BOOK: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld