Charles Johnson
Charles Stanley “Chuck” Johnson, age 72, of Warren, PA, died June 19, 2018 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 21, 1945 in Warren, PA, Chuck was an area resident for most of his life. He was a 1963 graduate of Warren Area High School and graduated from Erie Business Center in 1965. After college, he was employed by the former Marx Toy Company of Erie, PA. Chuck was a lifelong entrepreneur and enjoyed the pursuits of running his own businesses. In 1970 Chuck founded Johnson Enterprises and continued operating this business for the next 48 years. During this time, children in the area benefited from selling his fundraising products to support their school activities. He also owned Hallmark Stores between 1986 and 2004 in Meadville and Erie, PA and Ashtabula, OH. In 1993 Chuck opened Gayle’s Memories Christmas and Collectibles Store in Warren, PA and continued this business until 2011.
Chuck was an avid volunteer and active in many community organizations. He was a member of the North Star Masonic Lodge #241, Coudersport Consistory, the Zem Zem Shriners and the Sertoma Club. For 31 years he was a member of the Warren County Fair Board of Directors and served as Concessions Manager. He recently was recognized for this service with a lifetime achievement “Friend of the Fair” award from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. He also served on the board of directors for the Warren County Tourism Association. He enjoyed attending flea markets, and especially enjoyed participating in car shows with his 1966 Ford Mustang.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gayle Wetherbee Johnson, his two daughters, Genine Carlson and husband, Matthew, of Somerville, NJ and Kryste Ferguson and husband, Scott, along with two grandsons, Ian Walter and Daniel Charles Ferguson all of Fredonia, NY. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Kay Knapp, West Lafayette, OH. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Marleen DeLauder of Vinton, VA, Wanda Dillon of Corry, PA, and Loretta Dingfelder of Centerville, PA, cousin Linda Thomas and husband, Graydon, of Tionesta, PA along with many nieces and nephews.
Chuck loved spending time with his family and was happiest being able to attend his grandsons’ ball games, cheering enthusiastically from the stands. He selflessly gave his time to help his family and friends and was known to drive long distances to spend even a short time with those he loved. Chuck enjoyed spontaneous visits from his friends and customers and would frequently drop in on them to say hello and catch up. He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills football fan and had a legendary love of all things chocolate.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA, on Sunday, June 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Members of North Star Masonic Lodge #241 will conduct their funeral ritual at 5:45 PM Sunday. Additional viewing time will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Monday, June 25 at The First Church of the Nazarene. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM with Rev. J. Maier, Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, officiating.
Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Spartansburg, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Street, Warren, PA 16365 or Zem Zem Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505. Those wishing to submit email condolences may do so by visiting www.lewis funeralhomeinc.com.