Douglas
Rae H. Johnson, Sr., 91, of 107 Ledgestone Rd., passed away Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Overlook Healthcare Center in Charlton where he had been a resident since 2006.
He was born in Worcester, November 12,1919, a son of J. Philip and Hilda (Munson) Johnson.
His wife of 49 years; Marjorie C.(Anderson) Johnson died in 1994.
He leaves his wife of 15 years; Ethel Bates.
Rae also leaves a son; Rae H. Johnson, Jr and his wife Janet of Southington, CT., a daughter; Betty Anne Havalotti and her husband Jim of West Brookfield, 4 grandchildren; Kristen Lynne Johnson, Caryn Turchi and her husband Brent, David Schwenke and his wife Kirsten, and Anne Schwenke. One great grandson; Jonathan Rae Turchi.
Rae was also predeceased by his siblings, Joe, Barbara and Bill.
He graduated from Commerce High School and began his employment at the Norton Co. in 1939.
Rae was drafted into the U.S.Army shortly after Pearl Harbor. Assigned to be a ground crew flight mechanic in the Army Air Force. He worked his way up to the rank of E-6. was accepted into officer training and flight school. He received his wings as a multi-engine aircraft pilot and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.
He married Marjorie in 1945 and settled on Central Turnpike in West Sutton in 1947.
He joined the First Baptist Church of West Sutton and served in many capacities from choir member to deacon and trustee. He made the detailed drawings of the new addition to the church and with many Saturdays of hard work including that of Charles Pentland and Robert Cheney, was responsible for its assembly and completion in 1959.
He was active in Sutton and served on the committee that planned the Sutton Bicentennial in 1954. He was a Boy Scout Troop Leader, served as a special police officer, was the Republican town chairman in 1960, served on the school committee, was past president of the Sutton Historical Society, a member of the Manchaug Pond Association, and the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills.
While he worked at Norton Co. he did travel extensively throughout the United States, England, Poland and India.He retired as Norton's Maintenance Manager with 41 years of service in 1980.
He sold the homestead in West Sutton "Beechwood" in 1991 and moved to his property on Manchaug Pond.
Rae will be remembered for his innate ability to make things with his mind and his hands. Highly creative. Forms a concept, makes sketches or a plan, and then makes whatever is necessary to solve the problem at hand. Equally important is his ability to help other people through the use of his talent. He was always there for his family, his neighbors, his church and his town.
Many people called upon him for his assistance, and he was always there. He will be sorely missed.
Everyone is welcome to meet with Rae's family for Calling Hours on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 7 to 9 PM at the Robert J. Miller-Oxford Funeral Home, 247 Main St.(Route 12 ) in Oxford.
The Funeral will be Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church , 659 Central Turnpike in West Sutton. Burial will follow in West Sutton Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church of Sutton, 659 Central Turnpike, West Sutton, MA. 01590-1104.
On Line Guest Book: RJMillerfunerals.net