Robert M. Johnson

Edgewater, Florida-Robert Merrill Johnson, 90, formerly of Warren, died January 21, 2010 peacefully in his sleep after a short illness. He was born February 15, 1919, the son of Howard and Pauline (Stow) Johnson. Bob was loved and respected by all his friends and always had a kind word for everyone.

He was a graduate 1937 of Warren G. Harding High School and Ohio University with degrees in management as well as industrial engineering. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

He is survived by his wife; Florence (Mindala) Johnson, two sons, Bob Jr. of Maine and Chris of Colorado; daughter Lorraine Rosner of England; and a sister Martha Gilbert of Bristolville and six grandchildren.

His wife of 61 years is proof of his steadfastness. He was called the "Ancient Mariner" in his later years. This statement is true. We shall all miss him.

He served his country in the Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon with three stars (Africa, Sicily and Italy), the Pacific Ribbon LST 131and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon #2.

After the war he returned to Warren to become the outside salesman for the Warren Hardware Co. He retired in 1989 and moved to Florida.

He was an active member of the U.S. Power Squadron and received his 50 year pin. He loved sailing with his family. He built a racing class comet boat and refinished many others. He taught his children honesty, hard work and the beauties of nature and God.

A line from a favorite poem of his "Sea Fever" by John Mansfield expresses his love of the sea-"I must go down to the sea again, the lonely sea and sky and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by."

Services were held in Florida.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.