Lewis C. Johnson, 87, of Southport, and longtime lobsterman, died Sept. 17 at his residence after a period of failing health with his family at his side.
Lewis, born in Portland, July 19, 1923, the son of Harold C. and Marjorie Frances Sawyer Johnson, always stated he attended every elementary school in Portland, and attended Portland High School, leaving early to work as a cutter in the South Portland shipyards building Liberty Ships for the war effort.
Having been drafted in 1943, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps, and attended several military schools to be trained as a gunner and bombardier. He was assigned to the 455th Bombardment Group, stationed in Norfolk, England. As a front ball turret gunner on B-24 Liberators, he participated in 30 combat missions. On one of his missions his plane was one of only two planes to return out of a flight of 40 planes. For 20 of his missions, his squadron’s commanding officer was Capt. James “Jimmy” Stewart. His crew called him Jr. because he was the youngest member of the crew. Having participated in the first daylight bombing mission over Berlin and other feats during his time in service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and five Air Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and Good Conduct Award.
After his discharge in 1945, he returned to Southport, where his mother had relocated. He began to lobster with his grandfather and do a little carpentry. He married Eleanor Leah “Franny” Childs in 1947, and together made their home in Southport, building their home with the help of their relatives. He continued to lobster until he retired in 2009.
He loved to play the guitar, and played with several friends in a band throughout the Boothbay area and the Midcoast region. He was always asked to bring his guitar to family gatherings and parties, and if he didn’t have it, would he go and get it. He also enjoyed reading books and the newspaper, and watching TV.
Lewis is predeceased by his grandson, Joel Lewis Johnson; brother, Arthur “Bud” Johnson; and sister, Polly Mendini.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years Eleanor “Franny” Johnson of Southport; son, Larry Johnson and wife Susan of Barters Island; daughter, Linda Brewer and husband Peter of Southport; sister, Audrey Clark of Windham; granddaughters. Jessica Brewer of Stevensville, Mont. and Elizabeth Johnson of Barters Island; great-granddaughter, Kylie Michael; great-grandson Zachary Brewer, both of Barters Island; and sisters-in-law, Carol Damery and Betty Goulette, both of Southport.
Celebration of Lewis’ life 1 p.m., Mon., Sept. 19 at the Southport United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay, with Military Honors.
Should friends desire, memorial donations in Lewis’ memory may be made to the Fisherman’s Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 304, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
Condolences to the family may be expressed on Lewis’ memorial page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
