Robert Lewis Johnson

Robert Lewis Johnson, 80, passed on to his eternal reward Monday, August 12, 2019, while at home in Roseville California with family, after a courageous fight to overcome complications with COPD and Pneumonia. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Elliott) Johnson; his three sons: Scott Johnson, Steve Johnson and his fiance Angie, Don Johnson and his wife Sara; his grandchildren: Colton, Brody, Christopher, Grace, Alex and Caitlin; his brother Jim and his wife Anne; cousins, nieces and nephews; childhood friend Art Sheehan and wife Debbie; many friends; and his loyal dog Lucky.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Bunker Hill Illinois and St. Louis, Bob also resided in St Louis & Springfield, Missouri; and Northern California communities: Citrus Heights, Lincoln, and Roseville.

Whether addressed as Babe, Hun, Papa Bear, Dad, Pops, Papa, Grandpa, or My Favorite Uncle, Bob will forever be remembered for his quirky and spontaneous sense of humor; his loyalty to all those he loved; his eagerness to help anyone, anytime with anything; his dedication to hard and honest work; his never ending desire to always be teaching what he knew; his tender heart; his humble faith; and “Above All That - I Did It My Way”.

Bob was the third of four children to Robert and Bernice Johnson. Two older sisters Marlene and Norma (Dub) who have previously passed, and his younger brother Jim who resides in St. Charles, MO. 

Although Bob had to end his schooling early to help support his family, he gained and shared endless knowledge as he lived his life and we are certain he had no regrets, except only that he could do more to help those who were sick and suffering in any way. 

Bob met Bonnie in 1960, who was dating his cousin.  After falling head over heels in love and only after promising her Dad that he would be a true and faithful husband he began his own family when he married Bonnie on August 24, 1961, in Union City, Missouri. Bonnie gave birth to his three sons, who were all his pride and joy. Bob long believed that being the loving, caring, compassionate, person that he was, he didn’t need a defined religion. He came to realize that all his great and wonderful qualities were gifts from God, and after many prayers, he was baptized into the Catholic Christian Faith at Holy Family Church in Citrus Heights where he also received the Sacrament of Matrimony when Bob and Bonnie renewed their wedding vows in 1996 before many friends, family members, and God.

After exploring careers in his younger days as an electrician and in heating and air conditioning with C&R Heating, Bob desired to run his own business. He was able to manage two gas stations in the St. Louis area, and he dabbled in furniture upholstery before finally having a nice career and retiring as a Teamster for Roadway Express in Springfield, MO and Sacramento CA. After retirement, he owned his own business as a General Handyman where he shared his experience and knowledge to help countless people with various needs such as house painting and light remodelling, landscaping and fence repair, plumbing and electrical, and what he was most proud of, refinishing cabinets. Whatever he did and whoever he did it for, he did it as if he was doing it for his most loved friend.  As a result, Bob made many, many friends along the way. He was always fair in his business dealings and gave so much more than was expected. 

Bob always loved spending time with his family and got such a kick telling old stories of his rambunctious childhood and earlier years to his boys, grandchildren and other family and friends. Some of his most special memories were visiting severely ill children at Children's Hospitals in St. Louis. He wished until the very end that he would have had the resources to help Children such as Meagan and Ricky and other children who he bonded with at that time. 

Bob also had a special spot in his heart for the animals of the world.  Following terrible floods in the Sacramento area in the late 90’s, he volunteered many hours to help care for animals that had been stranded and rescued. 

Bob spent many hours in his early retirement working and volunteering to do general maintenance and upkeep at Holy Family Church.  He was deeply concerned that the funds required to complete needed repairs to the aging church would not be sufficiently raised. Please consider giving a gift towards the Church Legacy Restoration Fund by donating securely at https://www.myowngiving.com/QuickGive.aspx or by calling Holy Family Church. You can set up an account or simply do a Quick Give without setting up an account. Make sure “Legacy Restoration Pledge” is selected, and include “In Memory of Bob Johnson” in the notes if you wish. 

 All who knew Bob will surely have their own special memories and will remember how he touched and affected their life. He was fondly remembered as the “Troublemaker” and we are sure his joy of life and sense of humor will continue to bring love and happiness to those who are still here and to those he meets in Heaven. 

Bob received Last Rites, Anointing, and the Papal Apostolic Blessing while he was recently in the hospital. 

The Vigil will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, August 23, with the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 7817 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights, CA.  The Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at Holy Family Catholic Church. All are welcome to join the family at the Vigil, Rosary, Funeral, and the reception following the Funeral Mass at the Holy Family Parish Hall. Confessions will be offered as normal at Holy Family, Thursday at 5 p.m.

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