Hadleigh Johnson Obituary

Hadleigh Joseph "Joe" Johnson, Jr., age 89, passed away April 25, 2011 at his home in Mancos, Colo. He was born in Seneca, Neb. on May 7, 1921 to Dr. Hadleigh and Avis (Odell) Johnson. He was the oldest of three children and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1939.

He worked at the Grant Theater during his high school years and then went to Santa Monica, Calif., where he worked at a Shell service station and at Douglas Aircraft before entering the Army of the U.S. (AAF) in October, 1942. As a sergeant in the 44th Bombardment Squadron/40th Bombardment Group during the U.S. and Asiatic Pacific Theater, he was an armorer for fighter and heavy bombardment aircraft, as well as an aircraft machine gun and cannon instructor. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945. He attended Santa Monica City College and the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude in 1950 with a B.S. in Marketing from the School of Commerce.

He worked for Gates Rubber Company in Denver where he met Mildred (Millie) Strong Rhoads. They were married 57 years. He was a salesman with Graingers and Kellogg American. During those years, he had his pilot's license and owned two planes. He owned a hardware store and a rubber and engraving shop in the Denver area. After he retired, he worked as a volunteer to restore a B-29 at Lowry AFB Museum. He and his wife moved to Mancos, where he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his shop, and visiting with friends and relatives.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Mancos, two stepchildren, Jan (Al) Brown of Durango, Russ (Barbara) Rhoads of Denver, a nephew, Mick (Karen) Johns of Bothell, Wash., and two great nephews, Zack and Matthew. He is known as "Grandpa Joe" by his two step grandchildren, Chris (Ari) Rhoads of Denver, and Angela (Mark) Grant of Glenrock, Wyo., and three step great-grandchildren, Darien Rhoads, and Kayla and Austin Grant.

He is remembered for his loyalty to country, family, and friends, his green chili burritos, and the jingle in his pocket. Family and friends are invited to view his memorial at http://ertelfuneralhome.com/.