Charles E. Johnson

SOUTH PORTLAND - Charles E. Johnson, 91, of Broadway, died Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Brewer on November 20, 1922, a son of Einar P. and Jennie (Christenson) Johnson. He graduated from Brewer High School, class of 1942. Immediately following high school, Charles entered the U.S. Army. He served in the 31st Tank Battalion within the 3rd and 7th Armies commanded by Gen. George S. Patton. He participated in major campaigns against German forces, including, North Africa, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. Upon discharge from the Army, he began his lifelong career as a truck driver. He drove for several trucking companies and retired from Merrill Transport in 1986. In retirement he continued his driving career working for North Atlantic Moving and also delivering vehicles for local car dealerships. He married Lorraine Dodge on June 19, 1948, at Thornton Heights Methodist Church in South Portland. They enjoyed travelling and camping in their RV in which they took multiple trips to campgrounds here in Maine and several winters in Florida and in 1990 travelled across the US. He is predeceased by a brother, Alfred Johnson and a sister, Marie Corey. He is survived by his loving wife; a daughter, Susan Coolbrith and her husband Herbert of Bangor; two sons, Charles W. "Butch" Johnson and his fianc(c)e Vicki Moore of Westbrook and Paul A. Johnson and his wife Patricia of Baldwin; seven grandchildren; Karen, Katrina, Kevin, Chuck, Jennifer, Paul Michael, and Jessica; and eight great-grandchildren, Brandon, Katherine, Jack, Ashley, Tyler, Madison, Aiden and Grace. Visiting hours will be held 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Monday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, at the Chapel. Burial will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. Memorial donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1, STE 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.Online condolences may be expressed below.