My Grandpa ~
Valmer Fremont Johnson was the son of Florence (Myers) and Lutrell Johnson of Paulding, Ohio. October 1906, at the age of 7, Valmer boarded a train in Ohio and traveled with his mother and siblings to Michigan while his father hitched their horses and drove the surey to Michigan towing behind him the livestock.
Valmer was a hard working student and graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Michigan in 1918.
Valmer married Isabel Irene McCrory on July 2, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana. Isabel was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Schwark) McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana.
Valmer and Isabel resided in Niles, Michigan where he was employed by the railroad. During the Great Depression, they resided in Glenn, Michigan where Val was the telephone lineman and Isabel the switchboard operator. AS the Depression worsened and they lost the job in Glenn, Valmer and Isabel picked cherries at the Lyon (Lions) Farm in Traverse City where they learned to make baskets out of willow. For awhile they lived with Reverand Charles McCreery and his wife Gladys (Valmer's sister) in Glenn, Michigan. They traveled along the river in the south searching for willow to make and sell baskets trying to support themselves during the depression. Valmer traded the tent they were sleeping in, in exchange for a "soap" receipt in hopes they could sell the soap they made.
Spending a winter in Florida, Valmer had an idea, if he bought fruit in Florida and transported it to Michigan, it would sell and he could make a profit. The first attempt was a failure when the fruit arrived spoiled. Valmer convinced a banker to loan him money for a refrigerated truck and voila, the business was off. Later, he expanded the trucking business to expanded the number of trucks. For more on the lives of Valmer and Isabel Johnson, please contact me.
Valmer died at his home 1147 Maynard Road, in Portland, Michigan and was buried at the Portland Cemetery, in Portland, Michigan.
He was survived by his devoted wife, Isabel; loving son, Robert James Johnson; beloved daughter in law, Donna (Wiggins Miller) and grandchildren; Barbara, William and Marilyn. Valmer was also survived by sisters: Gertrude (Clare Watters); Hazel (Rev. Charles McCreery); Gladys, (Harold Rhees); Lois (Warren Galloway; and one brother, Dale Lutrell Johnson (Doris).
Portland Observer
V.F. Johnson Buried Here Saturday
Services were held last Saturday afternoon at Neller Funeral Home for Valmer Fremont Johnson, 56, co-owner of Portland Motor Sales, who passed away suddenly early last Thursday morning at his residence at 1147 Maynard Road.
Mr. Johnson bought an automobile agency here from the Leik Brothers in 1944.
In 1946 the agency was moved to a new building on east Grand River Ave. Later he entered into partnership with his son Robert.
A noted traveler, Mr. Johnson along with his wife Isabel, had toured Central and South America by automobile last year. In addition they had previously toured North America extensively having visited every national park.
Mr. Johnson had submitted many interesting accounts of his travels to the Review and Observer for publication.
Survivors Surviving are the wife, Isabel; son, Robert J.; three grandchildren; and four sisters, Mrs. Lois Gallaway, of Leslie; Mrs. Gladys Riese of Manchester; Mrs. Gertrude Watters of Eden; and Mrs. Hazel McCreery of South Haven.
Burial was in Portland cemetery and Rev. Park Newcombe officiated at the funeral.
Bearers were Frederick Fedewa, Laban Smith, Jr., V. O. Whitmire, Mark Brokaw, Vern Moore and Lee Wilkinson.
Additional Comments:
Valmer was born in Paulding Ohio (1899-1956), he was the son of Florence A. Myers and Lutrell Johnson. His wife Isabel, was the daughter of Elizabeth Schwark and Charles McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana. Robert and Donna Johnson were the parents of Barbara, William and Marilyn. The Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership was located at 425. East Grand River in Portland.
May 8, 1952 - Portland Observer:
"Mr. & Mrs. Val Johnson are on an automobile trip which has as its objective a visit to each of the 48 states and its capital city, and to each of the 182 National Parks in the country. They are making the trip with their house trailer attached to their car, but have covered many miles in various sections by other means of transportation where necessary.
From their start on July 31, 1951, until now, they have covered 40,000 miles by auto; 3,000 miles by plane; have been on five ferry boats; 136 miles by seaplane; and a two-day trip by pack mule train. They have crossed the Continental Divide 16 times. They have now visited 36 states and their capital cities, and 137 National Parks. They have also visited more National Parks than any other persons, according to the Park Service records. When all have been visited, the Johnson's have been invited to Washington, D. C., to report".
Note; The photographs and information on this memorial may not be copied in part or whole.
Valmer Fremont Johnson was the son of Florence (Myers) and Lutrell Johnson of Paulding, Ohio. October 1906, at the age of 7, Valmer boarded a train in Ohio and traveled with his mother and siblings to Michigan while his father hitched their horses and drove the surey to Michigan towing behind him the livestock.
Valmer was a hard working student and graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Michigan in 1918.
Valmer married Isabel Irene McCrory on July 2, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana. Isabel was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Schwark) McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana.
Valmer and Isabel resided in Niles, Michigan where he was employed by the railroad. During the Great Depression, they resided in Glenn, Michigan where Val was the telephone lineman and Isabel the switchboard operator. AS the Depression worsened and they lost the job in Glenn, Valmer and Isabel picked cherries at the Lyon (Lions) Farm in Traverse City where they learned to make baskets out of willow. For awhile they lived with Reverand Charles McCreery and his wife Gladys (Valmer's sister) in Glenn, Michigan. They traveled along the river in the south searching for willow to make and sell baskets trying to support themselves during the depression. Valmer traded the tent they were sleeping in, in exchange for a "soap" receipt in hopes they could sell the soap they made.
Spending a winter in Florida, Valmer had an idea, if he bought fruit in Florida and transported it to Michigan, it would sell and he could make a profit. The first attempt was a failure when the fruit arrived spoiled. Valmer convinced a banker to loan him money for a refrigerated truck and voila, the business was off. Later, he expanded the trucking business to expanded the number of trucks. For more on the lives of Valmer and Isabel Johnson, please contact me.
Valmer died at his home 1147 Maynard Road, in Portland, Michigan and was buried at the Portland Cemetery, in Portland, Michigan.
He was survived by his devoted wife, Isabel; loving son, Robert James Johnson; beloved daughter in law, Donna (Wiggins Miller) and grandchildren; Barbara, William and Marilyn. Valmer was also survived by sisters: Gertrude (Clare Watters); Hazel (Rev. Charles McCreery); Gladys, (Harold Rhees); Lois (Warren Galloway; and one brother, Dale Lutrell Johnson (Doris).
Portland Observer
V.F. Johnson Buried Here Saturday
Services were held last Saturday afternoon at Neller Funeral Home for Valmer Fremont Johnson, 56, co-owner of Portland Motor Sales, who passed away suddenly early last Thursday morning at his residence at 1147 Maynard Road.
Mr. Johnson bought an automobile agency here from the Leik Brothers in 1944.
In 1946 the agency was moved to a new building on east Grand River Ave. Later he entered into partnership with his son Robert.
A noted traveler, Mr. Johnson along with his wife Isabel, had toured Central and South America by automobile last year. In addition they had previously toured North America extensively having visited every national park.
Mr. Johnson had submitted many interesting accounts of his travels to the Review and Observer for publication.
Survivors Surviving are the wife, Isabel; son, Robert J.; three grandchildren; and four sisters, Mrs. Lois Gallaway, of Leslie; Mrs. Gladys Riese of Manchester; Mrs. Gertrude Watters of Eden; and Mrs. Hazel McCreery of South Haven.
Burial was in Portland cemetery and Rev. Park Newcombe officiated at the funeral.
Bearers were Frederick Fedewa, Laban Smith, Jr., V. O. Whitmire, Mark Brokaw, Vern Moore and Lee Wilkinson.
Additional Comments:
Valmer was born in Paulding Ohio (1899-1956), he was the son of Florence A. Myers and Lutrell Johnson. His wife Isabel, was the daughter of Elizabeth Schwark and Charles McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana. Robert and Donna Johnson were the parents of Barbara, William and Marilyn. The Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership was located at 425. East Grand River in Portland.
May 8, 1952 - Portland Observer:
"Mr. & Mrs. Val Johnson are on an automobile trip which has as its objective a visit to each of the 48 states and its capital city, and to each of the 182 National Parks in the country. They are making the trip with their house trailer attached to their car, but have covered many miles in various sections by other means of transportation where necessary.
From their start on July 31, 1951, until now, they have covered 40,000 miles by auto; 3,000 miles by plane; have been on five ferry boats; 136 miles by seaplane; and a two-day trip by pack mule train. They have crossed the Continental Divide 16 times. They have now visited 36 states and their capital cities, and 137 National Parks. They have also visited more National Parks than any other persons, according to the Park Service records. When all have been visited, the Johnson's have been invited to Washington, D. C., to report".
Note; The photographs and information on this memorial may not be copied in part or whole.
My Grandpa ~
Valmer Fremont Johnson was the son of Florence (Myers) and Lutrell Johnson of Paulding, Ohio. October 1906, at the age of 7, Valmer boarded a train in Ohio and traveled with his mother and siblings to Michigan while his father hitched their horses and drove the surey to Michigan towing behind him the livestock.
Valmer was a hard working student and graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Michigan in 1918.
Valmer married Isabel Irene McCrory on July 2, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana. Isabel was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Schwark) McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana.
Valmer and Isabel resided in Niles, Michigan where he was employed by the railroad. During the Great Depression, they resided in Glenn, Michigan where Val was the telephone lineman and Isabel the switchboard operator. AS the Depression worsened and they lost the job in Glenn, Valmer and Isabel picked cherries at the Lyon (Lions) Farm in Traverse City where they learned to make baskets out of willow. For awhile they lived with Reverand Charles McCreery and his wife Gladys (Valmer's sister) in Glenn, Michigan. They traveled along the river in the south searching for willow to make and sell baskets trying to support themselves during the depression. Valmer traded the tent they were sleeping in, in exchange for a "soap" receipt in hopes they could sell the soap they made.
Spending a winter in Florida, Valmer had an idea, if he bought fruit in Florida and transported it to Michigan, it would sell and he could make a profit. The first attempt was a failure when the fruit arrived spoiled. Valmer convinced a banker to loan him money for a refrigerated truck and voila, the business was off. Later, he expanded the trucking business to expanded the number of trucks. For more on the lives of Valmer and Isabel Johnson, please contact me.
Valmer died at his home 1147 Maynard Road, in Portland, Michigan and was buried at the Portland Cemetery, in Portland, Michigan.
He was survived by his devoted wife, Isabel; loving son, Robert James Johnson; beloved daughter in law, Donna (Wiggins Miller) and grandchildren; Barbara, William and Marilyn. Valmer was also survived by sisters: Gertrude (Clare Watters); Hazel (Rev. Charles McCreery); Gladys, (Harold Rhees); Lois (Warren Galloway; and one brother, Dale Lutrell Johnson (Doris).
Portland Observer
V.F. Johnson Buried Here Saturday
Services were held last Saturday afternoon at Neller Funeral Home for Valmer Fremont Johnson, 56, co-owner of Portland Motor Sales, who passed away suddenly early last Thursday morning at his residence at 1147 Maynard Road.
Mr. Johnson bought an automobile agency here from the Leik Brothers in 1944.
In 1946 the agency was moved to a new building on east Grand River Ave. Later he entered into partnership with his son Robert.
A noted traveler, Mr. Johnson along with his wife Isabel, had toured Central and South America by automobile last year. In addition they had previously toured North America extensively having visited every national park.
Mr. Johnson had submitted many interesting accounts of his travels to the Review and Observer for publication.
Survivors Surviving are the wife, Isabel; son, Robert J.; three grandchildren; and four sisters, Mrs. Lois Gallaway, of Leslie; Mrs. Gladys Riese of Manchester; Mrs. Gertrude Watters of Eden; and Mrs. Hazel McCreery of South Haven.
Burial was in Portland cemetery and Rev. Park Newcombe officiated at the funeral.
Bearers were Frederick Fedewa, Laban Smith, Jr., V. O. Whitmire, Mark Brokaw, Vern Moore and Lee Wilkinson.
Additional Comments:
Valmer was born in Paulding Ohio (1899-1956), he was the son of Florence A. Myers and Lutrell Johnson. His wife Isabel, was the daughter of Elizabeth Schwark and Charles McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana. Robert and Donna Johnson were the parents of Barbara, William and Marilyn. The Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership was located at 425. East Grand River in Portland.
May 8, 1952 - Portland Observer:
"Mr. & Mrs. Val Johnson are on an automobile trip which has as its objective a visit to each of the 48 states and its capital city, and to each of the 182 National Parks in the country. They are making the trip with their house trailer attached to their car, but have covered many miles in various sections by other means of transportation where necessary.
From their start on July 31, 1951, until now, they have covered 40,000 miles by auto; 3,000 miles by plane; have been on five ferry boats; 136 miles by seaplane; and a two-day trip by pack mule train. They have crossed the Continental Divide 16 times. They have now visited 36 states and their capital cities, and 137 National Parks. They have also visited more National Parks than any other persons, according to the Park Service records. When all have been visited, the Johnson's have been invited to Washington, D. C., to report".
Note; The photographs and information on this memorial may not be copied in part or whole.
Valmer Fremont Johnson was the son of Florence (Myers) and Lutrell Johnson of Paulding, Ohio. October 1906, at the age of 7, Valmer boarded a train in Ohio and traveled with his mother and siblings to Michigan while his father hitched their horses and drove the surey to Michigan towing behind him the livestock.
Valmer was a hard working student and graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Michigan in 1918.
Valmer married Isabel Irene McCrory on July 2, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana. Isabel was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Schwark) McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana.
Valmer and Isabel resided in Niles, Michigan where he was employed by the railroad. During the Great Depression, they resided in Glenn, Michigan where Val was the telephone lineman and Isabel the switchboard operator. AS the Depression worsened and they lost the job in Glenn, Valmer and Isabel picked cherries at the Lyon (Lions) Farm in Traverse City where they learned to make baskets out of willow. For awhile they lived with Reverand Charles McCreery and his wife Gladys (Valmer's sister) in Glenn, Michigan. They traveled along the river in the south searching for willow to make and sell baskets trying to support themselves during the depression. Valmer traded the tent they were sleeping in, in exchange for a "soap" receipt in hopes they could sell the soap they made.
Spending a winter in Florida, Valmer had an idea, if he bought fruit in Florida and transported it to Michigan, it would sell and he could make a profit. The first attempt was a failure when the fruit arrived spoiled. Valmer convinced a banker to loan him money for a refrigerated truck and voila, the business was off. Later, he expanded the trucking business to expanded the number of trucks. For more on the lives of Valmer and Isabel Johnson, please contact me.
Valmer died at his home 1147 Maynard Road, in Portland, Michigan and was buried at the Portland Cemetery, in Portland, Michigan.
He was survived by his devoted wife, Isabel; loving son, Robert James Johnson; beloved daughter in law, Donna (Wiggins Miller) and grandchildren; Barbara, William and Marilyn. Valmer was also survived by sisters: Gertrude (Clare Watters); Hazel (Rev. Charles McCreery); Gladys, (Harold Rhees); Lois (Warren Galloway; and one brother, Dale Lutrell Johnson (Doris).
Portland Observer
V.F. Johnson Buried Here Saturday
Services were held last Saturday afternoon at Neller Funeral Home for Valmer Fremont Johnson, 56, co-owner of Portland Motor Sales, who passed away suddenly early last Thursday morning at his residence at 1147 Maynard Road.
Mr. Johnson bought an automobile agency here from the Leik Brothers in 1944.
In 1946 the agency was moved to a new building on east Grand River Ave. Later he entered into partnership with his son Robert.
A noted traveler, Mr. Johnson along with his wife Isabel, had toured Central and South America by automobile last year. In addition they had previously toured North America extensively having visited every national park.
Mr. Johnson had submitted many interesting accounts of his travels to the Review and Observer for publication.
Survivors Surviving are the wife, Isabel; son, Robert J.; three grandchildren; and four sisters, Mrs. Lois Gallaway, of Leslie; Mrs. Gladys Riese of Manchester; Mrs. Gertrude Watters of Eden; and Mrs. Hazel McCreery of South Haven.
Burial was in Portland cemetery and Rev. Park Newcombe officiated at the funeral.
Bearers were Frederick Fedewa, Laban Smith, Jr., V. O. Whitmire, Mark Brokaw, Vern Moore and Lee Wilkinson.
Additional Comments:
Valmer was born in Paulding Ohio (1899-1956), he was the son of Florence A. Myers and Lutrell Johnson. His wife Isabel, was the daughter of Elizabeth Schwark and Charles McCrory of Michigan City, Indiana. Robert and Donna Johnson were the parents of Barbara, William and Marilyn. The Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership was located at 425. East Grand River in Portland.
May 8, 1952 - Portland Observer:
"Mr. & Mrs. Val Johnson are on an automobile trip which has as its objective a visit to each of the 48 states and its capital city, and to each of the 182 National Parks in the country. They are making the trip with their house trailer attached to their car, but have covered many miles in various sections by other means of transportation where necessary.
From their start on July 31, 1951, until now, they have covered 40,000 miles by auto; 3,000 miles by plane; have been on five ferry boats; 136 miles by seaplane; and a two-day trip by pack mule train. They have crossed the Continental Divide 16 times. They have now visited 36 states and their capital cities, and 137 National Parks. They have also visited more National Parks than any other persons, according to the Park Service records. When all have been visited, the Johnson's have been invited to Washington, D. C., to report".
Note; The photographs and information on this memorial may not be copied in part or whole.
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