Hadleigh Joseph Johnson Jr.

HADLEIGH JOSEPH "JOE" JOHNSON JR. Hadleigh Joseph "Joe" Johnson, Jr., 89, passed away April 25, 2011 at his home in Mancos. He was born in Seneca, Neb. on May 7, 1921 to Dr. Hadleigh and Avis (Odell) Johnson. He was the oldest of three children and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1939. Joe worked at the Grant Theatre during his high school years and then went to Santa Monica, Calif. where he worked at a Shell service station and at Douglas Aircraft before entering the Army of the U.S. (AAF) in October, 1942. As a Sergeant in the 44th Bombardment Squadron/40th Bombardment Group during the U.S. and Asiatic Pacific Theater, he was an Armorer for fighter and heavy bombardment aircraft as well as an aircraft machine gun and cannon instructor. Joe was honorably discharged in November, 1945. He attended Santa Monica City College and the University of Southern California graduating cum laude in 1950 with a B.S. in Marketing from the School of Commerce. Joe worked for Gates Rubber Company in Denver where he met Mildred (Millie) Strong Rhoads. They were married 57 years. Joe was a salesman with Grainger's and Kellogg American. During those years he had his pilot's license and owned two planes. He owned a hardware store and a rubber and engraving shop in the Denver area. After Joe retired he worked as a volunteer restoring a B-29 at Lowry AFB Museum. He and his wife moved to Mancos where he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his shop, and visiting with friends and relatives. Joe is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Mancos; two step children, Jan (Al) Brown of Durango, Russ (Barbara) Rhoads of Denver, Colo.; a nephew, Mick (Karen) Johns of Bothell, Wash., and two great nephews, Zack and Matthew. He is known as "Grandpa Joe" by his two step grandchildren, Chris (Ari) Rhoads of Denver, Colo., and Angela (Mark) Grant of Glenrock, Wyo.; and three step great grandchildren, Darien Rhoads, and Kayla and Austin Grant. Joe is remembered for his loyalty to country, family, and friends, his green chili burritos, and the jingle in his pocket.