Obituary of Colonel Harold Fulton Johnson

Harold Fulton Johnson Col. Harold F. Johnson (USAF) Ret., Age 89, passed away April 8, 2014 at Harbor Health of South Port Square, Port Charlotte. He was born April 19, 1924 to Harvey and Elizabeth Johnson in Greenville, IA. Hal graduated from Clarion High School in 1942 where he was active in athletics and student Government. Following graduation he attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA before enlisting in the Army Air Force. He received his Army Pilot Silver Wings and was commissioned in 1944. He married his high school sweetheart Betty Court at MacDill Field in Tampa, FL in 1946. This marriage produced 2 children. A son Jim (Marilyn) of Damascus, OR and a daughter Sue (John) Turner of Charlotte, NC. They also had 3 grandsons Ryan (Tina), Randy (Andrea) and Johnny. They also had a granddaughter Jessie. They also had 3 great grandchildren Kolbe, Lukas and Katelynn and a step great granddaughter, Hailey. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty. Following WWII Hal remained in the service to continue flying. He flew combat missions in Korea and Viet Nam. Hal remained in the Air Force for 30 years, being stationed across the country. Following his retirement in 1972 Hal and Betty moved to their dream home on the water in Port Charlotte. He was active in volunteer activities including the Charlotte Red Cross, Church and Yacht Club. He was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte. He was an elder on the session for 6 years and on several committees including acting as Chairman. He was a charter member of the Charlotte Yacht Club and was commodore in 1978. He started programs, which are still in existence today. He was a member of the American Legion Post 110 of Port Charlotte. He was also a member of The Reserve Officers Association, The Military Officers Association of America, The Military Order of World Wars, Order of Quiet Birdman, The Air Force Association and The International Order of Blue Gavel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, The Red Cross or Tidewell Hospice . The family will receive friends on Tuesday April 15, 2014 at 10:30a.m at First Presbyterian Church in Port Charlotte at 2230 Harriet Street. Services will follow at 11:30 followed by full military honors at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Rd., Punta Gorda. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club at 1:30 PM. Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery is handling arrangements.