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Obituary

Maurice Lee "M.L." Johnson, age 93, formerly of Columbus passed away, at home, on October 16, 2017. Lee was born in Bloomfield, Indiana, son of Morton Virgil Johnson and Inez (Foster) Johnson. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 50 years, Rita Jean (Maher) Johnson; his brother, Estel Johnson and a great granddaughter. M.L. was a decorated aviator and proudly served in the United States Navy Reserve for 25 years. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, and completed Naval Air Training in 1944. He served on active duty until 1950. He was awarded his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Studies from Purdue in 1951. Lee returned to active duty from 1953-1968. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1955. He was assigned to the command of the USS Bon Homme Richard as the Executive Officer in charge of Naval Intelligence, in 1964. M.L. was awarded the National Defense Service Metal; completed Electronic Officers "O" School, Naval Air Intelligence Officer School and Navy Justice School. Retired from the Navy in 1968, Lee attended Ball State University where he earned his Master of Arts Degree in Leadership in Community Services. He worked for the State of Indiana before relocating to Columbus in 1974 where he went to work for the Ohio Commission on Aging for the State of Ohio. He was instrumental in developing the Golden Buckeye Card program. After his last retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling and their grandchildren. Lee was an active member of the Upper Arlington Senior Citizens Center for many years. Lee is survived by his sons, Spencer (Judy) Johnson, Ft. Wright, KY; James Johnson, Cleveland and daughters, Suzanne (Tim) Johnson-Varney, Stout, OH; Linda Johnston Bennett, Zionsville, IN. Ten grandchildren, Lyndsey (Dennis) Byrne, Alex, Victor, Sammy and Melissa Johnson all of Cleveland; Trevor and Kelsey Johnson of Ft. Wright, KY; Sean (Amy) Johnston of Ft. Mitchell, KY; six great grandsons; and one great great-granddaughter. Many nieces and nephews, and special friend Betty Stewart. Funeral 1 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2017, at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CENTER, 1177 West Fifth Avenue (Columbus), where friends may call from 11 a.m., until time of service. Burial with U. S. Naval Honors to follow at Sunset Cemetery, 6959 West Broad Street, Galloway. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to SOMC Hospice, 2203 25th Street, Portsmouth, OH (45662) http://www.somc.org/givetohospice/. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.