Henry Ivan Johnson

PABLO — Henry Ivan Johnson, 76, of Pablo died of natural causes at his home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005.

Henry was born on July 29, 1929, in Terry to William and Blanche Johnson. He grew up and attended school in Terry. Henry worked with his father in "Johnson & Son Water Well Drilling" until September 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in during the Korean War with the Army Corps of Engineers. He served in Korea for one year. Following his tour of duty in Korea, he returned to the U.S. and participated in the Upshot Knothole, which was the nuclear testing in Nevada. Henry was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953.

In 1952, Henry married Mae Funderburk in Leesville, La. They later divorced. Henry married Laurene Olsen and she preceded him in death. Henry worked for Halliburton Oil-Well Cementing Company in Duncan, Okla., for five years. He moved to the Mission Valley in the late 1960s and drilled water wells until 1981.

He then worked for the Montana Rural Water until 1989. Henry was the Pablo City Water Master. He was active in aviation and was instrumental in helping establish the Ronan Airport. He retired in 1989. Henry loved aviation and was a mentor to many people in the Mission Valley.

He could fix or build anything. He truly was a master at mechanical and building trades. His wife Laurene and a stepson Richard Hobbs preceded him in death.

Surviving are a daughter, Kathy Johnson of Germantown, Tenn.; grandson Collin Johnson of Germantown; stepson Dennis Hobbs of Germantown; five step-grandchildren; brother Joe Johnson (Jean) of Terry; sister Royce Lumsden of Jaynesville, Wis.; numerous nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Sybil Ginsberg of St. Ignatius.

A memorial service was held Nov. 11 at the First Baptist Church of Pablo with the Rev. Ken Prewett officiating. Inurnment was in the Terry cemetery.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.