Feb. 16, 1937 - Feb. 21, 2013

ELKHART — Buford “Boots” Johnson, 76, passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in his home.

He was born Feb. 16, 1937, in Elkhart to Chester and Alice (Carr) Johnson. On Jan. 3, 1971, in Elkhart he married Betty Jean Hertsel. She preceded him in death on May 3, 1992. He married May Collins on Feb. 15, 1997. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2003.

Surviving are a stepdaughter, Jeanette Collins of San Diego; a stepson, Arthur L. Collins of Fort Wayne; 10 stepgrandchildren; and five great-stepgrandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Warren (Dorothy) Johnson and Chester Johnson, and a sister, Norma Chaney, all of Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Leroy, Carl and Albert Johnson; and five sisters, Linda Clark, Viola Baker, Ruby Bohler, June Hapner and Myrtle Fidler.

“Boots” was a U.S. Army veteran and a 60-year-plus member of the Salvation Army. He worked for Jessen Manufacturing for 35 years, retiring in 1999.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at the funeral home. Pastor Dale Turner will preside. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery where the Elkhart DAV will render military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Elkhart Salvation Army, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

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