Former Rochester resident,  Mr. LaMar F. Johnson, 82, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away  at 1:20 PM on Friday, October 14 , 2016, at Elkhart General Hospital.  This followed a brief and an extremely intense bout with cancer.

On May 5 , 1934, Lamar was born in Fulton County.  He was the treasured son of to Amos M. and Ethel May Swihart Johnson.  Growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters Mable and Pearley.  With great Zebra pride he graduated with the Rochester High School class of 1952.

LaMar married his high school sweetheart,  Ann  Metzler, on August 22 , 1952,  in Rochester's Church of the God parsonage.    Rev. Lloyd E. Powell officiated.  Together they enjoyed over 64 years of life's adventures.  From their union came two wonderful children  Alan and Marianne.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

The crispy autumn air beckoned, snowbirds, LaMar and Ann to commence travel south.  Sunny Florida was their winter home for more than two decades.  It was here that they relaxed fishing and playing shuffleboard.

Tech-savvy, LaMar kept on the cutting edge communicating with friends and classmates on Facebook. He  embraced technology and could voice text.  When he wasn't on the computer he was locked on to Fox news keeping abreast of the political scene.  He also enjoyed shopping for the bargain of the day!

With twinkling eyes brown and a radiant smile LaMar made everyone's day better.  His positive attitude was contagious.  He cared about others more than himself.  His trademark greeting to  his best friends and family was a big smooch followed by  a warm bear hug.  There was a sweetness about his gentle soul.

Paramount in LaMar's life was his family.  As the patriarch of the Johnson clan, Grandpa  adored his grandchildren and the greats.  He cherished  their visits, the holidays and family celebrations.  "Grandpa J"  thoughtfully made certain everyone received a birthday card with some cash enclosed to help celebrate their special day.

Left to cherish LaMar's memory are  his wife Ann; a son, Alan Johnson and wife Diane of Elkhart; a son-in-law Steve Moore and wife Mary Ann; sister-in-law Linda Marquardt; six grandchildren: Tiffany Brooks and husband Steven "Tivo", Natalie Smith and husband Trevor,  Brody Moore and wife Jeni, Amy Jo Sanchez and husband Mike, Chad Johnson and wife Amy, Casey Johnson and wife Carrie;  14  great grandchildren; a sister, Pearley F. Jewell and husband Walter of Rancho Mirage, CA; several nieces and nephews; Pace, the  grand-dog Jack Russell; also the treasured members of the RHS class of 1952 and the many friends he made along life's journey.  Preceding LaMar in death are his parents; a daughter, Marianne Moore on November 27 , 2009; a sister, Mable I. Barnes; and Elle Mae, the black  "perfect poodle" .

Mr. Steve Moore will host the celebration of LaMar's life. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.