Louis Johnson

Louis Willis Johnson III of Erie, Pa., was called home by his Lord and Savior on Thursday July 25, 2013 at his residence after his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his father Louis Willis Johnson II.

Louis was born April 6, 1964 to Mae Belle (Johnson) Forbes and the late Louis Johnson II.

Louis is survived by his devoted wife Diana Johnson, with whom he spent 21 years of his life; their children, Diana Mae Johnson and Joseph Louis Johnson; and his stepson Calvin W. Kinnard, Jr., with whom he raised for 23 years and loved as his own son. He is also survived by his oldest son Louis W. Johnson IV and sister Tara Lee Crosby, whom he cherished and raised for the first 7 years of her life with his high school sweetheart Vivian Ann McLaughlin.

He is further survived by three sisters; oldest sister Sandra Aiken (Leonard); the twins, Letha Rhodes and Lesha Powell (Henry); step brother, Anthony Morrow; 11 grandchildren; his Granny Gran Miss Jessie Page; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many, many friends.

Louis attended Academy Senior High School before entering the United States Army. He then became a member of the United States National Guard Reserves for 14 years. Louis was employed at UNSCO Laundry for 17 years as a truck driver, after which he became a Corrections Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Acting Captain at The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for 10+ years, before retiring this year; due to illness.

Louis was an avid fisherman and billiard player, having participated in several pool tournaments. He was also a big fan of the black jack table at Presque Isle Downs and Casino.

Family and friends may call at Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and he will be laid to rest immediately following at Erie Cemetery with the burial service officiated by his brother-in-law and Pastor, Own Rhodes.

Memorials may be made to UPMC Hamot Second Century Foundation c/o Great Lakes Hospice 302 French Street, Erie, PA 16507 or hamotgift.org.