Lawrence Ralph Johnson

Lawrence "Larry" Ralph Johnson, age 77 of Albia, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Larry was born May 8, 1936, to Carl and Faye (Grimes) Johnson in Monroe County. He married Doris Summers July 21, 1957 at the Christian Church in Albia. To this union two children were born, Dan and Cathy Jo. Larry graduated from Albia High School, class of 1954. He farmed 27 years in Monroe County before moving into the city of Albia. He also worked 46 years for Hy-Vee, retiring in 1996. Larry enjoyed music and had a band called Larry Johnson and the Roadrunners. He was a very talented wood worker, making many items including piggy banks, quilt racks, kitchen cabinets, and bedroom furniture. He also enjoyed being outdoors fishing and prairie dog hunting. Larry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, Knights of Columbus St. Mary's Council 4167 where he was currently serving as Grand Knight, and a 4th Degree member of the James R. Baldridge Assembly 1925. He served on St. Mary's Parish Council, board of directors of Monroe County Hospice, Albia Community Betterment Corporation, served a two year term on the board of Iowa Area Development Group, and served nine years on the board of Northeast Missouri Power Cooperative. He also was a past mayor of Albia, and was currently serving on the Board of Adjustment and Review for the city of Albia, and REC board of directors for the last 21 years. Larry is survived by his wife, Doris of Albia; two children, Cathy Jo (Dave) Crall of Albia and Dan (Cindy) Johnson of Roland; four grandchildren, Eric, Bryan, Emily and Stacie; and a great grandson, Bret. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Kosman; a brother, DeWayne Johnson; a nephew, Mike Kosman; and two great nephews, Jim and Chris Kosman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia; with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be 11 a.m., Sunday, December 15, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Larry's family present from 3-8 p.m. A rosary will be led by Knights of Columbus St. Mary's Council 4167 at 4 p.m., and a Christian wake service will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday evening. Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Lawrence Ralph Johnson

May 8, 1936 - December 11, 2013