Freeman M. Johnson

Freeman Marion Johnson, age 90, passed away February 13, 2008, in Centennial, Colorado. He was born December 17, 1917, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Oscar M. and Ina May Smith Johnson. In 1924 his family moved to Waukee, Iowa where he attended school and in 1935 was a graduate of Waukee High School. Early on in his life Freeman began showing an interest in automobiles. At age 12, with used parts, he built his first Model T. He worked in several garages to obtain knowledge and experience working with cars. Although Freeman was drafted into the military, he was never able to serve because of a heart condition. Instead, he became an instructor for the government as a trainer in diesel engines. In 1940 Freeman became a factory representative for the Chrysler Corporation. That same year he married Margaret Ann Kelly. Together they had two children, Dennis and Jacklyn. In 1962 he moved the family from Iowa to San Bernadino, California where he managed a Volkswagon dealership. By 1969 he owned his own dealership and a Motor Home Park Store. Freeman won many awards for being the top dealer in the United States. From the Germany Volkswagon firm he earned the award for sales excellence in the Western Region. He was a charter member of the Cypress Rotary Club and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Freeman received a special award from the city for his generous contributions and aid to the Boys Club of America. Upon his retirement in 1979, he and Margaret moved to Pismo Beach. It was here he began his hobby of collecting and restoring antique radios and clocks. He was also active in the community and served as a member of the Sunset Palisades Home Improvement Association. Margaret preceded him in death in 1987. In 1988 Freeman married Fae E. Griffin, of Denver, Colorado. She was a former schoolmate in Waukee, Iowa. They lived in Pismo Beach, CA until the fall of 2004 when they relocated to Colorado. Freeman is survived by his wife, Fae E. Johnson, Centennial, CO; his children: Dennis (Carol) Johnson, Hulbert, OK; Jacklyn (Paul) Johnson, Hulbert, OK; his grandchildren: Matt Johnson, Melissa Ayers, Susannah Pogue, Rob Parks, Chad Parks; his great-grandchildren: Kassy, Cody, Hannah, Shelby, Wyatt, Kylee, Andrew, Natalie, Brent and Trey; his step- children: Michael (Susan) Griffin, Denver, CO; Marijo (James) Anderson, Deerfield, IL; Patrick (Carla) Griffin, Madison, WI; and his step-grandchildren: Kyle Griffin, Elizabeth Griffin, Kate Anderson, Melissa Anderson, Nicholas Anderson, Lucas Anderson, Lindsay Griffin, Emily Griffin and Gus Griffin. A memorial service will be held at the Holly Creek Retirement Center, 5500 E. Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO on March 4, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Town Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Porter Hospice at the Johnson Center, 5020 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80122.