Louis Anthony Johns

Louis Anthony Johns, 97, a lifelong resident of Washington, most recently of Hawthorne Woods, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in the Washington County Health Center, following a brief illness. He was born on April 10, 1916, in Washington, son of the late Michael and Mary Louise Oritelli Johns. He attended Washington Schools. A U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, he participated in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe Campaigns. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European, African, Middle-Eastern Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Johns was honorably discharged on November 9, 1945. He was a life member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mr. Johns worked for Hazel Atlas, from 1932 until 1956, then as a grinder-fitter for National Annealing Box, from 1956, until his retirement. He was a member of the United Steelworker’s of America. A founding member of the Independent Club, he was a life member of the Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175, of the American Legion, and the VFW. Mr. Johns actively marked veteran’s graves in local cemeteries, each year at the holidays. He was a league bowler, and enjoyed playing softball and baseball in his younger years. Mr. Johns loved watching his grandchildren playing sports. Surviving are two sons, Richard (Gretchen) Johns, of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Robert Johns, of Washington; a daughter, Roberta (Ray) Roccon, of Harmony; a brother, Jake (Millie) Johns, of Washington; 8 grandchildren, Christine Johns, Jamie Johns, Richard (Eileen) Johns, Beth Ann Grantz, Raymond (Ayron) Roccon, Ryan (Stephanie) Roccon, Rachel (Jake) Barlow, and Rebecca (Craig) Stanionis; and 11 great grandchildren. Deceased are 5 brothers, Boots, Tony, Nick, Joe and Antonio (infant); and 3 sisters, Angeline Cipoletti Camden, Rose Whetsell and Esther (infant). Friends will be received on Thursday, February 27, 2014, in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, from 10-2 p.m., the time of a Blessing Service, with Father Pat Barkey officiating. Full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home, by the Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175, of the American Legion Burial will follow on a later date, in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.