Walter M. Johnson
July 10, 1927 — October 15, 2010
WINCHENDON - Walter M. Johnson, 83, of 10 Brown Avenue, Winchendon, died peacefully Friday evening, October 15th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Winchendon on July 10, 1927, the son of the late Walter M. Johnson and Florence L. (Knight) Johnson Aro, and was a resident of Winchendon for most of his life.
Walter worked as a sander for many years at Winchendon Furniture and later worked at Temple Stuart Furniture Company until his retirement. Walter was educated in Winchendon and left Murdock High School in 1944 to fight for his country in World War Two. He proudly served in the Navy for three years and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After his discharge, he returned home. In 2000, he was awarded his high school diploma at Murdock High School in a ceremony, attended by his daughters. He was a former President of United 154 United Furniture Workers Union and was a former President of the Winchendon Democratic Party. Walter also served on the Winchendon Planning Board and was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and Frederick Wilder White Post 158 VFW. Walter loved football and was a passionate fan of the New England Patriots. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family and grandchildren.
He leaves a daughter, Brenda L. Brewer and her husband Ronald K. of Winchendon; a son, Kevin P. Johnson of Marietta, OK; a son-in-law, Craig S. Boucher of Winchendon; three brothers, Donald E. Johnson of Winchendon, David A. Johnson and his wife Priscilla of Winchendon and Philip Johnson and his wife Mary Lou of Winchendon; a sister, Ruth Ann Coulson and her husband Kenneth of Harwichport; a half sister, Gaynell Scott and her husband Herbert of Gardner; eight grandchildren, Thomas C. Boucher, Tanya R. Boucher, Janelle L. Boucher, Paul Johnson, Terin Johnson, Taila Johnson, Brennan Johnson and Garrick Brewer; two great grandchildren, Kaden Boucher and Gabriel Rodriguez and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia LaPierre, who died in 2004; a daughter, Pamela D. Boucher, who died in 2007; a great granddaughter, Jasmine Pamela Boucher, who died in 2007 and his wife, Elizabeth E. "Betty" (Buckley) Johnson, who died in 2008.
Military funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 20th at 2 P.M. in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Barry Risto will officiate.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winchendon EMT Ambulance Fund, PO Box 125, Winchendon, MA. 01475 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 14 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg, MA. 01420.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.