William Robert "Bill" Johnson, Jr.

William Robert "Bill" Johnson, Jr. of Battle Creek, MI

Bill, age 90, died Saturday evening, March 11, 2017 at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Hospice Residence.

Bill, the son of William R. and Dorothy (Mettler) Johnson, Sr., was born in Bluffton, IN on December 22, 1926 and was a 1945 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He served his Country honorably and nobly during World War II in the United States Army, Private First Class with Co. B, 61st Infantry Division. Bill retired in 1987 after 26 years of faithful service with the Clark Equipment Company-Fork Lift Division of Battle Creek as a Tool & Die Inspector. He continued his craft after retirement with his own small business calibrating gauges for many area companies. Bill was known to play many rounds of golf at the area courses over the years, but his true passion was attending faithfully all his grandchildren's sporting events.

Bill was united in marriage to the former, Barbara Brott in Battle Creek on September 4, 1948 and she sadly preceded him in death on December 3, 2015. Surviving is his daughter, Dawn R. (Kevin) Casey of Battle Creek; a son, William R. "Bill" Johnson, III of Battle Creek and five precious grandchildren, Heather (Brad) Harris, Bill (Megan) Johnson, IV, Sara (Steve) Doinidis, Tyler Casey and Alex Casey and a great granddaughter, Evalyn Johnson. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Garry L. Johnson in 2014; his granddaughter, Heidi Johnson in 2002; a great grandson, Parker Harris in 2014 and a brother, Max Johnson.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, with the Rev. Douglas R. Nettleton, Pastor of the Pennfield Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township with the United States Army Honor Guard bestowing military honors. Family and friends will continue Bill's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the PNA Club, 15 Claire Street, Battle Creek 49015, immediately following the committal. Bill's family will greet friends on Tuesday, March 21st from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be directed to Battle Creek Veterans Administration Hospice Residence, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 967 Spaulding Avenue, Suite C, Ada, MI 49301