May 4, 2018 at 5:01 p.m.

Phillip Johnson

Jan. 1, 1937-May 1, 2018

Phillip Warren Johnson, 81, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 1, 1937, in Allen County, Indiana, a son of the late William L. and Alice (Zitzman) Johnson. His formative years were spent in Aboite Township, Allen County, where he attended the Hawk School. The family then moved to Whitley County, where he attended Jefferson Center School and graduated from Washington Township High School in 1955. He continued his education at Purdue University, West Lafayette, receiving an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology.

On Nov. 19, 1961, he was united in marriage to Glenna J. Walter. They have always made their home in rural Columbia City. 

Phillip served with the U.S. Army Reserve for six years.

For 31 years, he worked for I & M Electric now know as American Electric Power (AEP) retiring in 1999. He had 11 years of service with Indiana Department of Transportation and had worked for Testworth Laboratory in Columbia City. After his retirement, he drove a courtesy shuttle van for Dimension Ford, Fort Wayne.

He was a 21 year member of the Chain-O-Lake chorus and the S.P.E.B.S Q.S.A. He also was a member of the First Church of God, Columbia City and attended New Hope Wesleyan Church, Columbia City. He enjoyed camping and would attend the camping clubs annual events with his wife in the surrounding states. He was an accomplished gardener, raising his favorite gladiolas and sunflowers. In his younger days, he liked farming. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenna; their three children, Maria R. Smith, Columbia City, Linda C. (Christopher) Braun, Portland, and John S. (Lisa) Johnson, Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Wayne Johnson, Fort Wayne. 

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is in the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until the service at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to New Hope Wesleyan Church.

Condolences may be expressed at smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
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