Wendell Johnson, Jr.

Wendell S. Johnson Jr., 72, was called home on Saturday, May 24, 2014, in Aurora, Colorado. Wendell was born in Springfield, Massachusetts (MA), to father, Wendell S. Johnson Sr., and mother Evelyn C. Kersey Johnson. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from Classical High School. Wendell received an Associates Degree from Holyoke Community College and a Bachelors Degree from American International College. He was employed at Monsanto in Indian Orchard, MA. He also worked for General Electric in both Pittsfield, MA, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before relocating to Denver, Colorado. Wendell was employed at KOA in Denver a subsidiary of General Electric. He continued his career as a skilled technician with AT&T where he subsequently retired. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Okinawa Japan and with the Colorado National Guard and obtained the rank of Major before retiring with over twenty years. It was during his time in Denver that he met his love and future wife Nancy. They enjoyed spending time together including outdoor activities, going to plays, cultural events and business ventures. He enjoyed traveling across the country with her especially going to Las Vegas, Nevada with father-in-law Willie Wynn (deceased). Wendell never let retirement be an excuse not to stay active. He enjoyed learning new things including going back to school to learn nursing which he did part-time. He enjoyed going to the local consignment stores looking for a good bargain. He also enjoyed working with computers. He was an avid gardener, growing his own vegetables and herbs. Wendell enjoyed cooking a lot creating his own exotic dishes something he learned from his mother. He was a dedicated photographer who was always reading and taking classes to improve on his hobby. For years Wendell participated in numerous road races across the state including the Bolder Boulder, and the half marathon in Idaho Springs, CO. With all of the things he enjoyed doing nothing gave him more pleasure than cars. He went annually to the Denver car show and had subscriptions to numerous car magazines. Wendell is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Cynthia Johnson Cole, and a brother- in- law, Robert Willis. He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his loss, his wife, Nancy, Denver, CO, step-son, Monty M. Julious, Indianapolis, IN, step-grandson, Kimani M. Julious, Denver, CO, brother, Donald C. Johnson (Dorothy) Springfield, MA; a sister, Carol A. Willis, Durham, NC; brother-in-law, Reginald Cole (Maggie) of Feeding Hills, MA; aunts, Madeline Bassett, Springfield, MA and Luisa Johnson, Dorchester, MA; nieces, Arielle Gardner (Brockton), Forest Hill, TX, Detra Johnson, Springfield, MA, Sedare Johnson (Aaron), Wilmington, DE, and Rheaya Willis Durham, NC; nephews, Rashawn Cole and Donald C. Johnson Jr. and close family friend, Lee E. McKay (Annie) all of Springfield, MA.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 6/3/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 6/4/2014 at 11:00 AM - Cure d'Ars Catholic Church - 3201 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 6/4/2014 at 2:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO