Clarence L. Johnson
Aug. 26, 1910~Oct. 7, 2010
RIFLE I Well-known and longtime resident Clarence L. Johnson passed away Oct. 7, 2010, at E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle. He was 100 years old.
Clarence was born in Craig to Louis Johnson and Margaret Miller. He was raised on the family ranch and homesteaded on Williams Fork near Pagoda, along with his brother and sister. He met Lala (Crawford) Perrin and they were united in marriage on Aug. 31, 1934. The young couple settled on the homestead where they farmed and welcomed two sons and two daughters. It was during this time he acquired the nickname “Pop” as he is still known by his friends and neighbors on the Williams Fork.
In 1947, Clarence and Lala purchased and moved the family to what is now the Johnson Ranch on Flag Creek, where they raised their children, farmed and worked livestock. Clarence also read springs for an oil company and was the water commissioner for the Piceance Creek and Meeker area for several years. A job he loved because he was a man of the land and understood the importance of water. Clarence resided in his home until age 97 when he was moved into E. Dene Moore Care Center in Rifle.
Clarence saw many changes in the world around him through the years and was not afraid of progress, embracing new technology within the farming industry. He enjoyed playing poker (acquiring the nickname “Hogan” and where it has been heard he gave many a man a lesson), farming, hunting, fishing, trapping beaver, camping, looking for and cutting wood, outings with family and friends, telling stories of days gone by and never once passed on dessert.
Clarence is survived by his son Wayne Johnson and his wife Vicky of Meeker, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lala, his brother Albert, his sister Rozella, his son Kenneth Johnson and his two daughters Geraldine Proctor and Darlene Doran.
Viewing was held at the Rio Blanco Funeral Home of Meeker on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. Services and celebration of life were held Monday, Oct. 11 at the United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Johnny Arrington. An interment followed at Highland Cemetery in Meeker, where Clarence was laid to rest next to his beloved wife Lala.
Clarence will long be remembered for his sense of humor and was referred by many as a true character.
Memorial contributions can be made to Alpine Hospice, 1316 Grand Avenue., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.
