Paul Johnson

Obituary

Paul Lawrence Johnson

June 3, 1931 - Dec. 6, 2024

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. - Paul Lawrence Johnson, of Cambridge, Neb., passed from this life Dec. 6, 2024 at Tri Valley Health System Hospital in Cambridge. He was 93.

Paul was born June 3, 1931 to Claude E. and Ada L. (Marples) Johnson at Republican Valley Hospital in Cambridge, NEB.. Paul attended Sunny Hillside Country School from first through eighth grades. He then attended Cambridge High School, where he graduated in 1948.

On Feb. 3, 1952, Paul and Jacqueline R. (Jackie) Day united in marriage at Bartley Christian Church, Bartley, Neb. Paul served in the United States Army from May 14, 1952 through Feb. 20, 1954. He was a combat veteran of the Korean Conflict, after serving seven months on the front line in Korea.

Upon completing military service, Paul and Jackie lived on their farm southeast of Cambridge, where they raised four children, Von, Steven, Tamara, and Todd. Paul and Jackie moved to Cambridge in 1984. Paul loved his life as a farmer, fondly recalling he began farming at age six, driving a team of horses pulling a two-bottom plow, and ending his career at age 88, driving a GPS-controlled tractor.

Paul was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge, receiving his 75-year membership pin in May 2021. He served the Church as Financial Secretary and member of the Administrative Council for many years. Paul served as a member of the Cambridge School Board from 1972-1984. He was also a member of the Cambridge Coop Board and the Cambridge American Legion.

In younger years, Paul enjoyed team league bowling as a member of the Pearson Construction bowling team. After moving to Cambridge, he took up golf and played league golf for many years. He was a familiar sight at the Cambridge Golf Club wandering in the rough and creek, his pants pockets bulging with “lost” golf balls. Paul was a lifelong sports enthusiast, following the sports careers of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the Cambridge Trojans and Nebraska Cornhuskers. When not working, he was an avid reader of the Omaha World Herald, McCook Gazette, and Cambridge Clarion. He often read each paper at least twice, a habit developed in the military when news from home was scarce. Paul and Jackie enjoyed years of good food and fun with fellow members of their Pinochle Supper Club. Paul will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of fun, and his ability to brighten the day of all fortunate enough to know him.

Paul was preceded in death by parents, Claude and Ada Johnson; wife Jackie Johnson; sister Donna Miller and her husband, Robert; sister Norma Smith and her husband, Robert; brother Carl Johnson; brothers-in-law Paul Zabel, Gaylord Bellamy, Robert Foster; and great-grandson Joshua Lee Cardwell.

Paul is survived by son Von (Becky) Johnson; son Steven (Eileen) Johnson; daughter Tamara Johnson; and son Todd (Kristen) Johnson. Surviving grandchildren are Tara (William) Kampen, Kimberly (Ryan) Huxoll, Michael (Erin) Johnson, April (Jeremy) Cardwell, Jay (Jordan) Johnson, Jackson (Justina) Johnson, Sydney (Stuart) White, Isaac (Breezy) Johnson, and Sloan Johnson (Taylor Kubik). His surviving great-grandchildren are Olivia and Madalyn Kampen, Reid Huxoll, Smith Johnson, Brecksen and Mason Cardwell, Reeslyn and Wrigley and Ryer Johnson, Lincoln and Nolan Johnson, Clarke and Pierce White, Emery and Sammi Johnson. Surviving siblings are sisters Sharon Bellamy, Sondra Foster, Judy Zabel; brothers Phillip (Barbara) and Bruce Johnson; and sister-in-law Patricia Johnson. Left to honor Paul’s memory are many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Visitation is Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge. Family will be present.

Funeral and graveside services with full military honors are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at Trinity Community Church (formerly Trinity United Methodist Church) and Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge.

Memorials in Paul’s name are suggested to the Cambridge Senior Center. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge is entrusted with arrangements.