Wayne Archer "Johnny" Johnson, obituary
Wayne A. “Johnnie” Johnson, 79, of San Marcos, Texas, formerly of Lima, died June 1, 2011.
He was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Lima to Archer L. and Elizabeth T. Kares Johnson. His father preceded him in death. His mother survives in Lima.
Mr. Johnson was an Army veteran of the Korean War, where from July 1950 to August 1953, he was held as a prisoner of war. At a great risk to his life, he compiled a list of more than 500 POW names. Most died in prison camps or during the Tiger Death March, where they killed a man a mile for almost 100 miles. As a young man he had the presence of mind to keep a record of the heroes who died on the death march and in the POW camps. When he was released after the Armistice, he smuggled his list home in a tube of toothpaste. The list of names known as “The Johnson List” can be seen on the internet. As a result of his actions, numerous families were able to have final closure as to what happened to their loved ones who were listed as missing in action. He was awarded the Silver Star.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Ohio Military Hall of Fame and the Korean POWs. May the Lord bless him and may he rest in peace.
Survivors also include two brothers, Roger (Carol) Johnson Sr., of San Marcos, Texas, and Dean (Debi) Johnson, of Lima; a sister, Karen Thomas, of Lima; and several aunts, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio.
Condolences may be expressed at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas.
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