Merle Calvin Johnson, better known as "M.C." to his family and friends, was born June 27, 1927, on a farm-ranch in the Elbon Community, northwest of Philip, the son of George Elmer and Myrtle (Radway) Johnson. He attended elementary school in the Elbon Community prior to graduating from Philip High School in 1945.

He served in the United States Marine Corp during WW II, from 1945 to 1949. He then enlisted in the Army National Guard at Custer, South Dakota. His unit was activated during the Korean Conflict. Later, because of his interest in flying, he entered the United States Airforce. After his discharge, he worked with the Civil Service in Guam for a year and a half before returning to Philip.

In 1954 he moved to Chicago where he worked as a union carpenter until returning to Philip in 1976, where he has continued to reside. While in Philip, he continued to do construction work in the Philip area, until his retirement.

Survivors include three sons Michael Johnson and his wife Pamela of McHenry, Illinois, Brian Johnson of Highland Park, Illinois, and Andrew Johnson and his wife Heather of Mt. Prospect, Illinois; two daughters Catherine Marie Johnson of Highland Park, Illinois, and Donna Johnson of Wauconda, Illinois; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister Shirley Buls and her husband Bill of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

M.C. was preceded in death by a son George Johnson as a child; a daughter Janet Craven; a great-granddaughter Tessa Mary-Lee Brenner; his parents; two brothers Milo Johnson and Darrell Johnson; and one sister Marian Hansen.

Memorial services were held 1:00 p.m. Friday July 8, 2005 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Ann Schlossnagle officiating.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial is established.

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Friday, July 8, 2005 1:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Ann Schlossnagle

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist

USHERS
Casey Johnson – Jamie Johnson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
BY AMERICAN LEGION POST #173
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota