Johnson

Ernie Johnson, "Western Square Dance Caller," 63, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday.

Born in Alliance, Ohio, Ernie was raised in Deerfield, Ohio, graduating in 1960 from Southeast High School, and lived the past 10 years in Brimfield, Ohio.

He was an owner/operator truck driver for years and was a U.S. Army veteran.

A former member of the Deerfield United Methodist Church, Ernie was currently a member of The Chapel.

He was happiest when he was making people laugh — which was most of the time. His passion was calling a square dance. He called for lots of clubs and organizations in many states.

His wit and humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He was the beloved husband of Rachel; loving father of Lisa (Jon) Snyder and Chad (Heather) Johnson; loving stepfather of Denise (Larry) Bee and Duane (Michelle) Morris; loving son of Howard and Ruth Johnson; beloved grandfather of Brittany, Brandi, Zoie, Luke, J.J., Lilly, Ryan, Kyle, Dylan, Madyson, Lauren and Jessica; loving brother to Elaine (Richard) Burkey, Darryl Johnson, Carole Eagle and Janet (George) Crowley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

<B>JOHNSON</B> — Friends of Ernie Johnson, "Western Square Dance Caller," who died Thursday, June 22, 2006, will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home</B>, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio. Visitation also will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday in the memorial chapel at The Chapel in Akron, Ohio, where services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Steve Bucy officiating. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment to take place later at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44304; or the Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, OH 44333.Information also is available at www.hopkinslawver.com.