Joseph A. Johnson

Joseph A. Johnson (Scoop, Pops) of Casper, died Wednesday, January 20, 2016 peacefully at home. He was born in Buffalo, Wyoming on August 11, 1929 to Ben and Ruth Johnson. He graduated from NCHS in 1947 where he played basketball and baseball while attending school. He was later drafted in the army in 1949 at the age of 20 and served during the Korean War. He married his childhood sweetheart DorothyAlm on August 5, 1951. Together they raised six children and enjoyed twenty-three grandchildren and forty-five great grandchildren, who he loved dearly. Joe was a part owner of the Arcade Bar on Center Street, was an assistant manager for Safeway for twenty years, and concluded the last twenty prior to retirement with Frito Lay as a salesman. He was an avid bowler for over fifty years and had one of the only 300 games bowled at the Westridge Bowling alley in the 1960's. He bowled in many state and national tournaments. He also loved golf, boasting many hole in ones and playing in the Phoenix Open Pro-Am tournament. Joe and Dorothy enjoyed many bowling and golfing trips with their good friends the Tavares's, Spurlins, and Pollocks. He was an accomplished gardener growing peach, pear, and lemon trees along with his favorite flower Lily. His biggest enjoyment in life turned out to be his children, grandchildren, and especially great grandchildren. He loved getting together and watching them grow.

His wife, Dorothy; daughter, Lori; brother, Jerry Johnson; sisters, Judy Ballard and Enid D'Adamo preceded Joe in death.

Joe is survived by his children, Vicki (Pat) Hughes of Casper, Linda (Charles) Peak of Casper, Joe (Nancy) Johnson of Las Vegas, Brad (Vivian) Johnson of Casper, and Ben (Gail) Johnson of Sheridan; his brother, Bud (Wilma) Debenham of Reno; sister, Janet (Lance) Haratyk of Del Mar, California; and brother-in-law, Archie (Marge) Alm of Casper; sister-in-law, Patsy Alm of Casper; brother-in-law, Bob (Donna) Alm of San Diego, California; 23 grandchildren; 45 amazing great-grandchildren; with numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at First Christian Church on CY Ave. at 1:00 p.m. Please give donations in lieu of flowers to Central Wyoming Hospice.