Charles Edward "Buddy" Johnson

CHARLES EDWARD "BUDDY" JOHNSON Charles Edward Johnson, known to many as Bud Johnson and a life-long resident of Dolores, Colorado, passed this life on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at the age of 90 at his residence in Taylorsville, Utah beside his family. He was born to Navie Sophia Sagrillo Johnson and Samuel Edward Johnson October 10, 1925 in their family ranch home in McPhee, Colorado on the lower Dolores River, currently under water of McPhee Lake. Buddy received his early education in Dolores, and spent a few of his high school semesters in Riverside, California, graduating from Dolores High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation from Dolores High School, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during WWII on the USS Henrico Battleship. He was a signalman using the Morse code on deck of the ship. His ship was hit by a suicide Japanese war plane in which many on the ship lost their lives. After honorably serving his country, he returned home and found the love of his life, Georgia Lou Lanier of Pleasant View, Colorado. They were married August 24, 1947 in the Methodist Church in Dolores, Colorado. Six children were born to this union; Linda Diane, Bryce Lanier, Charles Agustus, Reba Joanne, Kim Michelle, and Barbara Gail. Buddy and Georgia converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and were later sealed surrounded with their children in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple May 30, 1964. Buddy was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the fall hunting season, and camping and fishing with his family. He had unlimited interests and hobbies including traveling, rock collecting, silversmithing, boating, four wheeling, and cabin building. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren, some of which lived nearby. He supported his family in a variety of ways. In his early years he enjoyed logging very much. He owned several retail stores, an insulation company, and a turquoise mine. He traveled the country marketing jewelry, and many remember him selling peaches in the late summer and early fall. Upon retirement, Buddy and Georgia spent a year on a service mission for their church in the Pittsburg, Philadelphia Mission. Surviving Buddy are 5 of his 6 children; Bryce Lanier and wife Darla Johnson; Gus and wife Roseanne Johnson; Reba and husband Lee Short; Kim Jarvis; Gail and husband Kim Perkins; 22 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Preceding him in death are his parents Navie Sophia Sagrillo Johnson and Samuel Edward Johnson, siblings Lois Akin and Luella Miller, his wife of 58 years, Georgia Lou Lanier Johnson, daughter Linda Diane Sprague, son-in-law William George Sprague, son-in-law Darrol Alan Jarvis, and granddaughter Dieja Marie Jarvis. Funeral services under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel located at 26525 Rd M, Cortez, Colorado. Viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Sylvan Cemetery near Pleasant View, Colorado.