Dave Johnson, 70, of Moccasin Street in Buchanan, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 17, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Jan. 8, 1940 in Niles, to Raymond and Rieta (Brewer) Johnson and stepfather, Alfred Littrell. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan.

He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1958 and served his country proudly as a staff sergeant the U.S. Army.

On Jan. 25, 1969, he married Kaye (Roy) Johnson, who survives.

He was a member of the Buchanan American Legion and former president of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, Miss Buchanan and the Michigan Moose Association. He served as secretary of Moose Legion No 106, Legion Ambassador of State and co-founder of Founder’s Day.

After joining the Buchanan Moose Lodge No. 449 in 1969, he held positions in all offices, including Lodge, District and Legion of the Moose. In 1988, he received a Pilgrim Degree, the highest degree to be earned within the Moose Association. After serving 26 years as administrator of the Buchanan Moose Lodge 449, he retired and in 2007, Johnson Street was recognized in his honor.

He received a certificate from the City of Buchanan for his dedication and commitment serving numerous boards and councils within Buchanan community.

He retired from AutoZone in Niles in September.

Survivors include his wife, Kaye; son, James (Wanda) Johnson of Lakeville, Ind.; daughter, Leslie Johnson of Niles; sisters, Carol (Ray) Ferrier of Dowagiac, Sharon Jones of Fife Lake; grandchildren, Kayce, Travis, Jimmy Johnson, Alex Kelly and Dee Eggleston; brother-in-law, Jim (Marilyn) Roy; several nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Rieta Johnson, and stepfather, Alfred Littrell.

Services for Dave Johnson will be held Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan. 

Friends may call Thursday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., a Pilgrim Memorial Ceremony will take place during the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Buchanan Moose Lodge No. 449.