David Edward Johnson, 77, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Healthcenter Northwest in Kalispell. He was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Kalispell, the son of James Homer and Velda Lucy (Funk) Johnson.

He attended schools in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School in 1949.

He was married to Norma Lee Eckelberry on May 16, 1951, in Columbia Falls, and had been happily married for 57 years.

He went to auto mechanic school in Salt Lake City and worked at the Chevrolet Garage in Kalispell until he started logging in the mid-1950s hauling logs and grain. He also ran a service station in Thompson Falls with Bud Derrickson until being forced into early retirement.

He really enjoyed being with family and friends. A happy day in our lives was in 1961, when our son, Corey, arrived. Trucking and work ethics carried from father to son.

He was a veteran of the Korean War.

He was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Velda and Homer Huggins.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Johnson, son, Corey Johnson, and his wife, Janis, two grandchildren, Brett Wagner and Shauna Calhoun, and two great-grandchildren, Kendyl and Reegen, out of whom he got a great kick, all residing in Flathead County.

Private memorial services were held by the family.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 640 Seventh St., Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for David's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign David's guest book.