Urban A. Johnson

Urban Amos "Johnnie" Johnson, 88, of Springvale, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2009 in Sanford.Urban was born on July 3, 1920 in Sanford. Maine, the youngest child and only son of A. Arthur and Lydia Fortier Johnson.After graduating from Sanford High School in 1938, Urban enlisted in the U.S. Army at the outbreak of WWII. He served as a Major in the Asian and European theaters throughout the war. He received his degree from Boston University in 1949 and began his 38-year career with J.M. O'Callaghan, traveling the state of Maine selling flooring.After his retirement, "Johnnie" continued to work for Maine Linoleum of Biddeford and for Brock's of Rochester, NH until last spring. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, a past president of the Toastmasters Club and a lifetime member of the Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge #1470. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and until recently remained active playing golf.Urban married Marie Rejeanne Lachance in Sanford on December 27, 1952 and they raised their family in Springvale.He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie Johnson; his three daughters and their husbands, Joan and Tracy Burke of Plymouth, Judy and Thom Wilson of North Berwick, and Jane and David Hassan of Cohasset, MA; his only son, John K. Johnson of Springvale; two grandchildren, Quinn Weber Wilson and Jillian Marie Wilson, both of North Berwick; three sisters, Adrienne Gilman of Kennebunk, Muriel Cunningham of Bradenton, FL, Evelyn Waterhouse of Acton and many nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street in Springvale at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2009 with a gathering to follow at the Elks Lodge on Elm Street in Sanford. A military burial will take place upon the completion on the new veterans' cemetery in Springvale.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in Urban's name can be sent to the American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.To leave a message of condolence for the family, please click the condolences tab to the left.