CMSgt. (Ret.) Claiborne A. Johnson Jr., 67

DOVER - CMSgt. (Ret.) Claiborne A. Johnson Jr., of Dover, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at home with his family. He was 67. Born May 16, 1941, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Amelia M. (Snowden) and Claiborne A. Johnson Sr. Mr. Johnson was a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He joined the Air Force in 1960 and traveled the world while serving his country. Mr. Johnson received numerous awards and accolades during his call to duty. He began his military career stationed at Dover Air Force Base. He returned to Dover in 1984 and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1987 at Dover Air Force Base after completing 27 years of service. Mr. Johnson then returned to Dover AFB in 1988 as a civilian, working in the Civil Engineering Squadron. After 20 years of civil service, he retired Jan. 31, 2009. Affectionately known as "Clay," "Dad," "Daddy," "Opa," "Junior," "JJ," "Chief," Mr. Johnson was a caring, compassionate and fun man who was loved and admired by everyone. He was a loyal fan of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Browns. Mr. Johnson was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed watching, playing, and coaching all sports. He loved bowling, camping, fishing, playing dominos, cards, Chinese checkers, and other family games. His greatest joy was time spent with his family. He was a member of the American Legion, the American Forces Top Enlisted Association, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a civilian member of the National Police & Trooper Association and the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police. He was also a sponsoring member of the USO. Mr. Johnson is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gwendolyn Johnson of Dover; three children, a daughter, Lori Ann Johnson-Vegas and her husband Kevin (CMSgt, U.S. Air Force), currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan; a son, Rodney J Johnson of Baltimore, Md. and a daughter, Angela Michelle Johnson-Tisdale and her husband Jason of State College, Pa; five grandchildren, Lance, Justin, Amber, Christian, and Ashley. Mr. Johnson is also survived by his older brother, Larry Johnson and younger sister, Allyson Golson, both of Annapolis, Md.; brother-in-law, Lloyd "Soup" Collins, Jr. of Deptford, N.J.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to Johns Hopkins, the Hope Lodge, and Delaware Hospice. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Dover Air Force Base Chapel II (Carpenter Memorial Chapel). Family and friends may call from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover. Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. Memorial donations may be made on behalf of Claiborne A. Johnson, Jr. to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or Ralph H. Hruban, M.D. c/o Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 401 North Broadway, Weinberg 2242, Baltimore, MD 21231-2410 or Delaware Hospice 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.