Born: July 23, 1927

Died: January 22, 2013

Floyd L. Johnson, 85, of U.S.12 in Niles, Mich., died at 7:39 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on July 23, 1927 in Mishawaka, Ind., to Kenneth and Florence (Hamman) Johnson, and has lived in Niles most of his life.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 364, and drove for Russom Transfer for 27 years, retiring from its successor, Bender Loudon Motor Freight.

Floyd expressed a strong Christian faith.  He earned an airplane pilot’s student license which allowed him to fly solo.  He enjoyed the fellowship and activities at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport in Niles, and enjoyed fishing in the area.

On Nov. 4, 1946 he married the former Mary Lou Kelver, who preceded him in death on September 9, 1982.  He was also preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Johnson and Karl Johnson; and by two sisters, Helen Kring and Irene Williams.

Surviving family includes his children, Linda (& Michael) FunNell of Niles, Keith (& Ava) Johnson of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Kerry Johnson of Niles; daughters-in-law, Diana (Mrs. Kenneth) Johnson of Elkhart, Ind., and Pamela (Mrs. Karl) Johnson of Niles; Floyd’s brother, Joe Hirsch of Mishawaka and sister, Gloria (& Bert) Houghton of Decatur, Mich.; several nieces and nephews; and a neighbor and friend, Sue Johnson.

The family of Floyd Johnson will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2013 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.  Interment will be later, privately at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com