Ardell K. Johnson

Ardell Keneth Johnson of Gulf Breeze, Florida was born February 26, 1927. Ardell passed peacefully into the hands of his heavenly Father March 6th and his life will be celebrated Tuesday March 11th at 2:00 pm at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze. Visitation will occur 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Jack Kale will officiate.

Ardell was an active and founding member of the Central Church of Pensacola Beach. He and his wife Sara supported many groups at the church especially their Haiti mission providing food, clothing and life essentials to an orphanage the church adopted. Many Saturdays were devoted to visiting garage sales in search of the of these much-needed items. They spoke with pride of the generosity of the area’s residents who felt blessed to be a part of this endeavor.

Ardell grew up in Detroit and graduated from Cooley High School where he was a cheerleader (no surprise). He exhibited a commitment to serve at an early age. His father worked for Twin Pines Dairy and allowed him to help him with milk deliveries. His resourcefulness provided money for the local theater by collecting cans for recycling. He was a devoted son and a big brother to Emmett.

After moving to Gulf Breeze in 1998 to be near his daughters, Ardell quickly volunteered his time at the Naval Aviation Museum where he conducted groups on tours of the museum. He also found time to usher at the Saenger theater where he and Sara made many friends. He was a much-loved member of the residents of his Tiger Point community and volunteered for many projects over the years. Ardell stood ready to help anyone with anything. His love for flying and his 1928 model A Ford provided entertainment for those close to him. The Ford would occasionally backfire which sent residents and golfers alike running for cover.

After his graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. This experience provided a long lifetime of memories which he lovingly shared with friends and strangers alike. After the war he studied accounting and achieved his private pilot’s license. During his 30 years at Marathon Oil in Detroit, he became Head of Safety Engineering.

Ardell loved being a dad to his two daughters and spent many happy days during summers at Lake Chemung; sledding and ice skating at Lola Valley Park in the winter and of course taking them flying when he had the opportunity. They fondly remember his legendary pancake breakfasts.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Sigurd Olaf and Edith Alice Johnson; brother, Emmett; spouse, Ann May Milne Johnson.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Sara Zehr Johnson; daughters, Judy (Russ) Lawless and Deborah (Roy) Smith; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jon) Gingrey, Nicole (Steven) Mayhew, Carlee (Jason) Mc Cullers and Shawn Smith; great granddaughters, Erin, Taya, Camilla, Annistyn and Ivy; cousin, Don (Mary) Johnson; nieces, Diane (Bob) Hawkins, Jill (Chuck) Koosman; nephew, Warren (Bonnie) Johnson. In addition, Sara’s children, Dan (Lynn) Zehr and Robin Zehr (Bill) Chambers who have provided unfaltering support.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation in memory of Ardell to https://navalaviationfoundation.org/donate/. The family wishes to thank the clinical staff at Baptist Hospital for their care and compassion.