Earl Eugene Johnson

Earl Eugene Johnson was born in Port Bellingham, WA, November 23, 1928. His dad was an auto mechanic and mother was a school teacher, but Earl was destined for a career in sales.

Earl is survived by his son, Ronald W. Johnson (Linda Weeks); daughter Cheryl Neff (Ernie); grandchildren Chad Neff (Kim), Jayci Shaddy (Paul), Ryan Neff (Jaime), and Damian Johnson (Rita); plus nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren (and one on the way); plus numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by stepchildren, Veretta Edson, Jan Haddock (Dennis), and Jon Edson (Nancy); plus 13 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Earl Johnson Jr .; beloved wife, Marilyn Johnson; his parents Vance and Mabel Johnson; siblings, Vance Johnson, Vernon Johnson, and Helen Harvey; step-daughter, Jo Ellen Linnell; and step-son, Jerry Edson.

Earl escaped farm duties as an adolescent by selling magazines and flower seeds door to door, then working at Fergie’s Grocery.

He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, joined the Army at age 17, and grew up fast as World War II wound down.

After discharge, he married Christene Grace.

While raising their family together, he bought and later sold a service station on Fir and Riverside Drive, worked at Riverside Tire, then owned and operated Earl’s Automotive Supply.

His car sales career included Carlson’s and McDowell’s, however, the bulk of his career was enjoyed at Hinton Oldsmobile.

There he served the area farmers, businessmen, families, and logging professionals, as a faithful, trusted friend for their vehicle needs until he retired at age 72.

Earl loved going to car shows and seeing classic cars – often with his pal, Greg Hinton.

He loved sharing how each car touched his life and the memories he had with each model.

Traveling in his RV with his wife, Marilyn (wed in 1976) they created great and humorous memories.

When home in Burlington, Earl loved being with family, calling on his friends – sometimes with freshly baked cookies, sending countless letters and cards of humor and appreciation, keeping his flowers tended for passing golfers to enjoy, feeding the wild birds, finding humor in everything, and encouraging everyone.

He was a Boy Scout leader and served as an officer in the Elks Club for a number of years.

Over the past 20 years, he rarely missed a Sunday with his family at His Place Church.

Bent on keeping active, about a year ago he began driving to La Conner for his daily walk along the channel, adding yet many more friends!

On March 14th, following a brief illness, Earl went peacefully home to be with the Lord, but we know his legacy of joy will continue!

A celebration of Earl’s life will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 2:00 pm at His Place Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to His Place Church; 1480 S. Burlington Blvd .; Burlington, WA 98233.

Please visit http://www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.