Paul Royce Johnson

Meddybemps – Paul Royce Johnson, 89, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Paul was born in Calais on August 8, 1926, son of the late Bertram and Florence Walls Johnson. He graduated from Calais Academy, Class of 1944. Paul enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served as an infantryman during WWII. Paul served in the Pacific theater and was engaged in combat during Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa in Japan in 1945. He was sent to China after the war ended for several months before being honorably discharged in August of 1946. Following his service he returned to Milltown and started working at the Post Office. Paul met his future wife, Marion “Sissy” Hayward, in Calais and they were married on December 24, 1949. Paul went on to work for Maine Central Railroad for several years. Wanting to be closer to home, Paul left the railroad and became a deliveryman for Sun Beam Bread Company. Paul began making and selling Italian sandwiches with his family for extra income. During this time, Paul learned to fly a plane and purchased a single engine piper cub of his own. He enjoyed hours of flying with family and friends. In 1966, Paul became a full time employee of the Calais Post Office serving as a clerk and later as a supervisor. After retiring in 1986, Paul drove bus for WHCA for several years.

He was a member of the Meddybemps Church, Second Baptist Church in Calais, Past Master of St. Croix Lodge No. 46 A.F. & A.M. in Calais, Anah Temple Shrine of Bangor, Sherman Bros. Post #3 American Legion in Calais, Boyd-Smith Post No. 9779 V.F.W. in Calais, and the Calais Rod & Gun Club. Paul was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and was a talented woodworker.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Marion “Sissy” Johnson in 2012; and two brothers, Gerald and Fred “Ad” Johnson. Surviving are his six children, Larry Johnson and wife Brenda of Kinder, LA, Patty Trefry of Little Ridge, NB, Mark Johnson and wife Brenda of Greenwood, IN, Peter Johnson and wife Janet of Buxton, Beth Johnson and her companion Todd Bassett of Alexander, and Bert Johnson of Meddybemps; thirteen grandchildren, Joshua Parker and wife Donna, Joel Parker and wife Virginia, Sarah Beth Rice and husband Aaron, David Johnson and wife Kara, Kyle Johnson, Bradley Johnson and wife Hannah, Andrew Johnson and wife Abbie, Robert Johnson and wife Keri, Sean Trefry and wife Megan, Michael Ross and wife Kaila, Amanda Johnson, Kevin Ross Jr. and his companion Nickolette Higgins, and Jasmine Elaine Ross; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marjorie McKeown of Crawford and Jean Campbell of Meddybemps; a brother Jack Johnson and wife Carmelita of DeBary, FL; two sisters-in-law, Sara Cameron of Calais and Ann Hacker and husband Kenneth of Ontario; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion Pie.

The family would like to give special thanks for the excellent care Paul received at the Maine Veteran’s Home of Bangor, Community Health & Counseling Hospice, and his special caregiver, Karen Tompkins.

Visiting hours will be held 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2015 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, where a Masonic Service will begin at 7p.m. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in the funeral home 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 24. Burial will follow in Calais Cemetery. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Wounded Hero’s Program of Maine, PO Box 1797, Saco, ME 04072.

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