Earl R. Johnson, age 85 of Newaygo, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the Raybrook Manor in Grand Rapids following a short illness. Earl was born on May 13, 1927 in Muskegon to John O. and Evelyn B. (Flanery) Johnson and worked at Campbell Wyant Canon in Muskegon from 1950 until 1983 when he retired. After retirement, Earl managed apartment buildings in Whitehall, Fremont and Reed City for several years until his final retirement when he moved to Newaygo. Earl married Ruth M. Buckhout on March 28, 1964 in Muskegon and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2003. Earl later married Margaret E. Smith on May 2, 2008 in Muskegon. Earl had enjoyed flower gardening, working in his yard and taking care of his lawn and had enjoyed deer hunting. Earl was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during World War II. Earl was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Fremont. Earl is survived by his wife, Margaret of Newaygo; his children, Ronald (Anna) Johnson of Muskegon; Donald L. (Marsha) Johnson of Newaygo; Judy (Chuck) Johnson of Muskegon; Darlene (Matt) Mallard of Muskegon; Betty (Wayne) Milliron of Muskegon; Brenda (Geno) Blumer of Hudsonville; William (Mary) Shields of Newaygo; Ruth Ann Brookham of Wisconsin; Lena (Richard) Haven of Wyoming; Dianna Shields Medema of Muskegon; David A. Shields of Newaygo; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brothers, Harold Johnson of Muskegon; John Johnson of Spring Lake; Tom Johnson of Hastings. Earl was preceded in death by his sons, Daniel Shields on December 31, 1999; Larry Johnson on December 30, 2007; Robert Shields on June 14, 2012; and his sister, Elva Lebaron. VISITATION : Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 5-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel and Friday 1 hour prior to the funeral services at the church. FUNERAL SERVICES: Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11am at the Faith Baptist Church in Fremont. INTERMENT : Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Muskegon. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Faith Baptist Church in Fremont.