Jack A. Johnson

Jack A. Johnson, age 87, of New Philadelphia, and formerly of Florida until 2008, passed away Monday, February 6, 2012 in Hennis Care Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in Harrison County’s German Township, October 21, 1924, he was the son of the late Ernest Alexander and Nanie Laura (Polen) Johnson.

Jack worked for Consolidated Coal for more than 30 years, retiring in 1986 as a shovel operator.

His involvement with Freemasonry is well documented. A 32nd degree member of Unionport Chapter # 333 F & A M, Jack was also involved with the York and Scottish Rites including chapter #171 of the Royal Arch Masonic Body of Cadiz. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Steubenville, and Unionport Chapter 360 of the Order of The Eastern Star, where he was Past Patron. Jack’s death is mourned by all members of Ohio’s Eastern Star community as he was a Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Ohio’s Order of The Eastern Star.

Jack’s church memberships included the Cadiz Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and trustee; the Faith Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach, Florida where he served as an elder and chairman of the building grounds; and the First Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia.

His community involvement included the Boy Scouts, serving as a board member for Harrison Community Hospital and the Harrison County Fair Board for 15 years; and acting as a Cadiz Township Trustee. His memberships also included the United Mine Workers.

As a young child, Jack enjoyed raising and racing Sulky horses with his father. That passion continued into adulthood where he could be found at fairs and races throughout Ohio. He also drove the starting gate car.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, T. Lucille (Miller) Egler Johnson, who he married on June 24, 2000; his daughter, Elaine K. (Mike) Malloy of Washington Courthouse, O.; his granddaughter, Stephanie (Larry) Dowdle and great-grandson, Storm Dowdle, both of Cadiz; his step-children, Dennis (Becky) Egler of Baltic, and David (Brenda) Egler of Port Washington; and his step-granddaughter, Nicole Egler of Baltic; his sisters, Doris (Bob) Trushel of South Carolina and Naomi Bellville of Carrollton; also nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Kathleen (Osburn) Johnson; his sisters, Virginia Hendricks and Ruthanna Johnson; and his great-grandson, Jeff Clark.

Friends are invited to call Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Masonic lodge of sorrow and Order of the Eastern Star services will commence at 6:45 and 7 p.m. respectively.

A service celebrating Jack’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel Thursday beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Jeff Gerber will officiate Jack’s service.

Following the service, friend are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal will be shared. Burial will take place in Holly Memorial Garden in Cadiz at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be directed to the Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, Inc., 716 Commercial Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, O. 44663.