On Feb. 22, 2014, Erik Alan Johnson passed away in Magnolia, Texas.

Erik was preceded in death by his mother, Rhea Merriman; father, Frank Johnson; and brother, Scott Merriman.

Erik was born June 21, 1969, to Frank and Rhea Johnson in Great Falls. He attended the Great Falls school system until age 14 and then traveled with his stepfather Jess Merriman and his mother to numerous locations around the states for his work. He returned to Great Falls and completed his junior and senior years at CMR High School.

After graduation Erik enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Desert Storm.

In 2001 Erik was married to Joni Motichka and they made their home in Columbia Falls. Erik worked at Plum Creek Plywood for seven years and then, along with his wife, ventured into the oil fields of Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota. Erik had spent the last one and a half years in Magnolia.

While at his home in Columbia Falls, Erik enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his daughter, son-in-law and grandsons.

Erik is survived by his wife Joni, sister Tina Bruni and daughter Tammi Cusick, all of Columbia Falls; father Jess Merriman, grandmother Darlene Merriman, sisters, Terri Willis and Christy Mitchell, all of Great Falls; and several stepchildren, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

 Erik was a proud Marine, loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He knew no strangers and was liked by many. He will be greatly missed.