Robert L. "Bob" Johnson

Lifelong resident Robert (Robbie) Lawrence Johnson, 95, passed away at his Rocky Point home on October 12, 2019.  Bob was born to Arvid and Rose Johnson on July 24, 1924 in Sandpoint.  He was the middle child of seven that included Arthur, Herbert, Ethel, Harry, Betty and Donald.  Bob attended local schools and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1942.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00am, Saturday, November  2nd at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel.  Pastor Barry Johnson will be officiating with a reception to follow at the VFW Hall.

He joined the US Army Air Corp in 1943 and was trained as a waist gunner.  He later entered pilot training school but did not get to become a pilot, as the war ended.  He was honorably discharged in 1945.   In 1950, Bob married Dorothy Reece and she brought two daughters, Sandy and Carol into the marriage and Bob raised them as his own.  Steve was born in 1951 and Tom followed in 1954.

Bob worked for the Idaho Highway Department for 37 years retiring as foreman for the local district.  Bob was active in the American Legion for over 50 years.  He presented the flag at every home football game.  He was commander of the firing squad and at military funerals would fold, and then present the flag to the family.  He also served as Boys State chaperone.  He was a member of the Elks Lodge, serving as Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Elks Club.  He also held the office of chaplain, in the lodge, for many years.  Bob loved baseball and umpired local games long after the boys were through playing.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, wife Dot, daughter Carol and infant great-granddaughter Olivia McElroy. 

He is survived by daughter Sandy Johnson and partner Linda Tody, sons Steven and wife Jacque Johnson, Tom and wife Connie Johnson, grandchildren Jason Johnson, Aaron and wife Sarah Johnson, Kasey and wife Jessica Johnson and Lisa and husband JD McElroy, nine great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.