IN MEMORIAM: Louie Johnson, 79;
Farmer Loved Draft Horses Jack, Jim
OTEGO – Louis “Louie” E. Johnson, 79, whose draft horses, Jack and Jim, were well known at plow days, wedding and log skids, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at Bassett Hospital, with his family by his side.
He was born on May 1, 1940, in Franklin, the son of Elmer and Helen (Palmer) Johnson. Louie attended Franklin and Delhi Schools. At a young age, he worked on local farms and in 1963 purchased his own farm in East Meredith on the West Kortright Church Road.
He sold his farm in 1987 and continued to haul cattle until he became ill in 2015.
Known for his jovial personality, Louie always had a joke or story ready to tell.
After breaking his leg and while fighting cancer, he still liked to go to the sale barns and the diner.
Louie was a member and past president of the East Meredith Fire Department, as well as past president of the Delaware County Draft Horse Club.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Westcott Archibald Johnson; his daughter, Jodie (Ed) Heins of Shelton, Conn.; his son, Rodney (Rhonda) Johnson of Worcester; sisters, Wanda Aikens and Ruth (Lynn) Kinch of Delhi; half- brother, Earl (Shirley) Johnson of California; brothers-in-law, Dick Johnson of Sherburne, Mike (Tammy) Barnes of Rockdale and Dave (Leslie) Barnes of Masonville; sister-in-law, Pat Barnes of New Berlin; stepsons, Scott (Cindy) Archibald of Laurens, Jamie (Amanda) Archibald of Franklin; stepdaughter, Kim Archibald (Bart) of Otego; grandchildren, Samantha Heins of Marina Del Ray, California, Scott Heins of Shelton, Conn., Rebbecca Johnson of Laurens, Calynne Johnson of Franklin, Alysia Johnson (Brian) of Franklin, Ryan Archibald of Lafayette, Nate Archibald of Laurens, Damion Archibald of Otego, Sarah Randall and Paige Clark of Otego; Julie and Caleb Archibald of Franklin; five great-grandchildren, Peyton, Temperance, Camden, Grayson and Addison; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Maggie; brothers, Larry and Bob; nephew, Elmer; and brother-in-law, Bill Aikens.
A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 31, in Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, followed by a celebration of life at the East Meredith Fire Department.
The family extends special thanks to all at the Fox Care Cancer Center, Patty Jacobs, Dr. Knight and all of the girls, “You all made his time with you more enjoyable,” and also Dr. Richman at Bassett.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Donations in Louie’s memory are asked to be made to the East Meredith Fire Department, 6192 County Highway 10, East Meredith, NY 13757.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.