Lee Carroll Johnson

Lee Carroll Johnson, age 90, a lifetime resident of La Grande, died Sunday, April 13, 2003 at the Grande Ronde Hospital.


A celebration of life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley on Friday, April 18, 2003. Committal and interment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery.


Mr. Johnson was born on November 8, 1912, the son of O.O. and Stena (Nelson) Johnson in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School, Eastern Oregon University and University of Washington and later earned his Doctorate from the University of Iowa. He was Professor of History at Eastern Oregon University for 40 years, retiring in 1976. During World War II he served as a Captain with the United States Army. He was stationed in New York and worked in Military Railway Transportation
Mr. Johnson was married to Clarice Taylor and they had two children. She preceded him in death in the early 1970's. In October of 1974 he married Betty Schott in Condon, Oregon. He was a member of the First Christian Church and the La Grande Elks Lodge. He enjoyed stamp collecting and gardening. He loved to write and was an expert on the local rail system. He had a lifelong affection for animals.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Johnson of La Grande; daughter-in-law, Susan Johnson of Calgary, Canada; step-children, Patricia Ann Dronen of Lacey, Washington, Maureen Scott of Seattle, Washington and Deblynne Whittlesey of Stanwood, Washington; grandchildren, Erica and Jeffery Johnson and Bradey and Jody Dronen; and other relatives and friends. His daughter, Christine Lee Johnson and his son, Dr. Taylor "Abe" Johnson preceded him in death, as well as brother, Alfred Johnson and sister, Annetta Adskin.