Clark J. Johnson Obituary (1927 - 2021)

Clark J. Johnson, age 94, of Erie, passed away Friday, September 17, 2021. He was born in Orchard, NE on July 11, 1927, only son of the late John and Marie Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Corinne Curry Johnson; and his first-born son, Patrolman Kim David Johnson. Clark was the last of the cowboys who rode the range as a boy and worked the 1,200 acre farm with his dad. He lived through the Depression and Dust Bowl with many interesting stories. A graduate of Strong Vincent High School, he was drafted into the US Army in his junior year of high school. Clark then served in the Air Corps as a 1st Class Sargent, as a Recon Photographer in Research and Development at Dayton Air Force Base. He worked on the guided missile, Manhattan Project, and many other "firsts" in aviation military history. Clark survived two B-17 crashes and was the sole survivor of a crashed A-26 Invader. After the war, he served in the Air Force Reserve and was drafted again for the Korean War. With the loss of his arm in a farming accident that never slowed him down, Clark met the love of his life in the hospital, his nurse, Corinne Curry. He was a baseball coach who helped build the first ball field at Slade Road Park. He was a boy scout in his youth, but was unable to achieve Eagle due to the draft, but became a Scout Leader when his boys became scouts. Clark was an expert marksman and a range instructor for youth at Gem City Gun Club. He operated a grape farm in Harborcreek, managed John Deere in Waterford, and retired from Kaufmanns in 1988. After retirement, he traveled the country in his "Coach". Clark was a big camper and had a home in Florida as well as Harborcreek. He loved life, his family, animals and his garden. Clark had a special blood type and donated regularly to save others. Survivors include his three sons, Eric (Bridget), Clark (Abby) and Michael (Tammy); many grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a very special daughter-in-law, Kimberly. Big thanks to the VAMC of Erie who took good care of Clark and Brevillier Village who looked after him like family. At the request of his family, private services took place at Erie Cemetery with Military Honors rendered the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. Memorials can be made to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 3415, Erie, PA 16508. CLICK HERE TO PRINT THIS PAGE SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL