Stephen Armer Johnson, 68, passed away on March 25, 2019 at Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Helena, Montana surrounded by his loving family.
Stephen was born on September 13, 1950 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Charles Lebert and Voilet Lucille (Shockley) Johnson. He was the second of four children.
He was raised in southern Missouri and moved to Central Oregon for his grade school years. He returned to Missouri and graduated high school in Deepwater. He was accepted into West Point, but chose not to attend. He was drafted into the army at age 18 and served in Vietnam as a military policeman. Upon returning from Vietnam, he met his wife, LaVange Martin, and they were married June 16, 1975 in Collins, Missouri.
From that marriage, there were five children born; Amanda, Stephanie, Kayla, Stephen, and Sally. They had been married 43 years when he passed.
A year after they were married, they moved to Union, Oregon, where he was a log truck driver. He had a great love of aviation, and received his pilot’s license with his GI Bill where he flew a Piper Archer II. In 1981, the family moved to Alaska, where he continued his career as a long haul freight truck driver, driving from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay and on the ice roads. In 1988, he moved to Seeley Lake, Montana, where he drove log trucks until the end of his career.
He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, shooting, fishing or cutting fire wood. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball and the Chicago Cubs and the Saint Louis Cardinals. He was a collector of guns and coins. He also enjoyed spending time reloading ammunition. Stephen also loved animals, especially Labradors.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by, his wife, LaVange, children, Amanda (Steven) Stanley, Stephanie (Gavin) Alexander, Kayla Johnson, Stephen (Alejandra) Johnson, and Sally Johnson; also by grandchildren; Haley, Rachel, and Levi Stanley; Courtney, and Lauren Alexander; Stephen, Lucille, and Ashley Johnson. He is also survived by brothers, John Johnson and Buck Johnson, and sister, Tammy Johnson.
Viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29th at Faith Chapel, 3260 Highway 83 North, Seeley Lake. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel with a reception to follow in the social hall of the church. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen’s name to the VA Liberty House, at Attention: AOD Desk- Liberty House, 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Stephen.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Reception
Following the funeral service
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel Social Hall
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Reception
Following the funeral service
Friday March 29, 2019
Faith Chapel Social Hall
3260 Highway 83 North
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday March 29, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Yvonne Jenkins says
I'm very sorry about the loss of your loved one. Remember the Bible's promise at Revelation 21: 3, 4. May Jehovah comfort you during this time.
Joetta Culbertson (Ball) says
I remember spending the night with Steve’s sister when I was a young girl and always hoping to catch a glimpse of her handsome brother! I didn’t really know Steve but I had a wonderful time with Tammy! I’m so sorry for gluross! You will all be in my prayers and thoughts! Please try to remember God will have a wonderful place for him in heaven!
Johnson says
Dear Lavange & Sally & Family, Thinking of you so much right now & pray that you be comforted. Friends Always & with Love, Monte & Charlotte Johnson