Leslie T. Johnson

Leslie T. Johnson, 87, of New Philadelphia, passed away July 28, 2008 in his home following a short illness.A son of the late Mansel and Helen (Kopp) Johnson, he was born June 12, 1921 at Wainwright, Ohio.Mr. Johnson graduated from Tuscarawas-Warwick High School in 1939. He was a decorated veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II. During the war he was stationed in Normandy, France, Rhineland and Ardennes Central Europe. Because of his valiant service to his country, he received a Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal as a member of the 330th Infantry Division.Mr. Johnson was a retired Staff Representative of United Steel Workers District 27 at Canton and was formerly employed at Joy Manufacturing where he served as President of Local 2737 for many years.He was a former president of the Tuscarawas County Labor Council for 20 years, a member of Sharon Moravian Church at Tuscarawas and a life member and former commander of the Tuscarawas V.F.W. Post 7943.He is survived by his wife, Ellen (Sewell) Johnson, whom he married on January 22, 1993; his step children, Michael J. (Carol) Stephens of New Philadelphia, Matthew J. (Susan) Stephens and Mitchell J. (Cheryl) Stephens both of Dover and Melissa J. (John) Beebe of Canton; a brother, Keith (Patty) Johnson of Dover, a sister, Doris Gall of Bainbridge Island, Washington; sister-in-law, Joanne Johnson of Florida; two grandsons, Thomas (Kera) of Lexington, Kentucky and Phillip Johnson of Texas and a daughter-in-law, Pat Johnson of Texas.Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his first wife, Sylvia (Dawson) Johnson; two sons, Thomas R. and Phillip R. Johnson; a brother, William Johnson and a sister, Caroline Sartin.Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel with Rev. Blanche Tyree officiating. Inurnment will take place in Sharon Moravian Cemetery at a later date.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Johnson’s memory to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.