Earl B. Johnson, 72, of Bedford, passed away on October 20, 2018, at home with his family. Born in Hyattsville, MD on April 2, 1946, to the late G. Russell Jr. and Agnes Rose (Lancaster) Johnson. Survived by his wife of 51 years, Marie (Lipoma) Johnson and his daughter, Mischelle Johnson, of Pasadena, MD. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Mae Jones. Additionally, survived by extended family nephew Steve Jones; nieces Bonnie (Jones) Kniska and Sandy (Jones) Lemons; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Earl was a graduate of Northwestern High School and his love of service had him enlist in the United States Marine Corps prior to his graduation. Earl served in the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the Vietnam War; and is a decorated Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. After the war, Earl worked, until retirement, out of the Operating Engineers, Local 77 as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. During retirement, Earl enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, daughter, and extended friends-family. He always kept in touch with friends that he treated like family and will be remembered as fearless, and forever young at heart. Earl also continued his passion for public service as a volunteer firefighter. Throughout the years he ran with Hyattsville, Cobb Island, Kentland, Arundel and Bedford Fire Departments. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, gardening, and pond-scaping.
He was a member of the Pennwood Bible Church in Everett where a memorial service will be held Saturday, October, 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. receiving of family and friends will begin at 11 a.m. Final burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. For those unable to attend, an online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.