Commander Mortimer Carl Johnson

Commander Mortimer Carl Johnson, U.S. Navy (Retired) died November 5, 2006, in Gulfport, MS. He was born June 26, 1925, in Black River Falls, WI. Commander Johnson enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in 1943 and was commissioned an Ensign in 1945 at age 19. Immediately upon commissioning he was sent to the Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 1946 he participated in the Operation Crossroads Atomic Bomb Tests at Bikini Atoll while serving on board the U.S.S. Bottineau (APA-235). He served on several ships and at several stations, including command of the U.S.S. Robert A. Owens (DD-827) and a Weapons Facility in Virginia. He retired after 25 years of service in 1968. In 1992, he retired as a Manager of Procurement at Ingalls Shipbuilding after 23 years. He received Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees from the George Washington University and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the Occidental University of St. Louis. He was active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1982, and served as Commodore of the Eighth Coast Guard Auxiliary Coastal Region during 1996 and 1997. He served as the National Vice Commodore, Atlantic Area (West) and was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Flag Officer Corps during that period. His awards and medals include: Coast Guard Auxiliary Plaque of Merit for life saving on the seas, Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Auxiliary Commendation Award, Auxiliary Achievement Award, Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (four awards), Department of Transportation Secretary's Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation (three awards) with operational distinguishing device, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation (two awards), Auxiliary Group Action Award, Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation, World War II American Campaign Medal, World War II Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal. Navy Occupation Service Medal with claps marks Asia and Europe, and the National Defense Service Medal (two awards). He was a designated Navy Surface Warfare Officer and was authorized to wear the Navy Command at Sea and Command Ashore Insignia plus the Auxiliary Coxswain Device. He belonged to the following organizations: Theta Chi Fraternity, Mesa Lodge #68, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Joppa Shrine, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, U.S. Naval Institute, The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Tin Can Sailors, U.S.S. Robert A. Owens (DD-827) Shipmates Association, Sons of Norway, Military Officers Association of America, National Association of Atomic Veterans and Mensa. Commander Johnson is survived by his loving wife, Reba K. Johnson of Ocean Springs, MS., son, David Thomas Johnson of Etobicoke, Canada, brother, David Jan Johnson of Eau Claire, WI., the following stepchildren, Lynn M. Rich and husband Jerry, of Ocean Springs, MS., Christine A. Jackson and husband Donn Dimichele, of Redlands, CA., James B. Finney and wife Marlyn, of Ocean Springs, MS., Sandra J. vanGoethem and husband Larry, of Ocean Springs, MS., Sherry K. Duke and husband Ted, of Murray, KY., Charlotte A. Bunkley and husband Grady, of Ocean Springs, MS., Clifton D. Finney and wife Jan, of Lake Orion, MI., Sonia K. Charbonneau and husband Patrick, of Hattiesburg, MS., eighteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many friends. The family prefers memorials be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 405 Fontaine Place, Suite #103, Ridgeland, MS., 39157. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, from 6-8 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Thursday, November 9, 2006, there will be an 11 AM chapel service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.