Stanley Johnson's Obituary
Stanley Johnson, Jr. (Stan) was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, the son of Stanley and Dorothy Johnson.As a member of the “greatest generation,” Stan proudly served in the US Navy during World War II from 1943-1946. As a commissioned officer (LTJG), he commanded an amphibious ship and crew at the age of 23 in the South Pacific. These were formative years for the values of integrity, loyalty, and regard for others that Stan carried and built upon throughout his life. Stan attended Denison University from 1940-1943, later officially graduating as a member of the class of 1944, following his naval service. Stan then attended the University of Michigan Law School, obtaining his law degree in 1949.Stan practiced general law in Mt. Vernon, Ohio for two years before joining Cooper Industries (then Cooper-Bessemer, also in Mt. Vernon) in 1951 as Assistant Treasurer. Serving in various management roles, he contributed to the major growth and expansion of Cooper during the 1950’s and 60’s. In addition to overseeing business diversification and acquisitions, he eventually became President of the largest division, Cooper-Bessemer Corporation. Stan served as a corporate officer and Board member during his 20-year tenure with the company, and perhaps his most enduring legacy at Cooper was his commitment to employees. He emphasized that corporate-level decisions “weren’t paper decisions, they were human decisions.”After leaving Cooper Industries in 1971, Stan moved to Florida to become owner and President of Priscilla Murphy Realty on Sanibel Island, from 1971 to 1986. Stan was a founder and investor in the Community Bank of the Islands, started in 1988.Stan was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers and the Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ.Stan is survived by his beloved wife Gaye Johnson, six children (and their spouses), and ten grand-children: Mark Johnson (wife Nina Mende); Scott Johnson (wife Douja) and their daughter Ines; Susan Johnson (husband Ted Grubb) and children Ben and Katie; Jennie Caverley (husband Patrick) and children Sarah and Zachary; Bill Hanson (wife Pam) and children Miles and Amanda; Jon Hanson (wife Kathleen) and children Emily, Erin, and Ian. Stan was preceded in death by two children, Andrew Johnson and Guy Hanson.Stan was soft-spoken, thoughtful, generous, and loved to laugh. He always had a twinkle in his eye that told you he knew something more–and you always felt glad when he let you in on his secret.A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, 1341 Shire Lane on Friday, March 12 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555.
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