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John W. “Duke” Johnson

John W. “Duke” John-son, 83, of Homestead Boulevard in Jamestown, passed away Wednesday morning, July 22, 2020, in his home following a lengthy battle with Alzhei-mer’s Disease.

He was born Nov. 29, 1936, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of the late J. Wilton and Beatrice Johnson, and was a 1954 graduate of Celoron High School.

Duke was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, serv-ing from 1954 to 1957.

For 26 years, he was em-ployed by National Fuel Gas, retiring as a pipe fitter in 1996.

A life member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the AMVETS, Duke also belonged to the Herman Kent Post Ameri-can Legion and was a form-er board member and off-icer of the Harmony Con-servation Camp. He volun-teered over 40 years at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club as a member, board member and officer. He also volunteered many years with Special Olym-pics, as a parent, coach, driver, fund raiser, steering committee member and friend.

Duke loved life — danc-ing, nature, planting trees, sports, Harley riding, fami-ly and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Perry Johnson whom he married May 28, 1966; two sons: John W. Johnson, Jr. (Susan) of Jamestown and Michael C. Johnson of West Ellicott; six grandchildren: Chad Katulich, Jordan Katulich, Lauren Johnson, Alec John-son, Bram Johnson and Jan Giordon; his foster daughter, Candy Unger; and his furry companion, “Sunny.”

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Janet Kling and Joan Kling.

The family would like to thank Dr. Vejendla and his staff, the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation, Chautauqua Hos-pice & Palliative Care’s many “angels”, and all of Duke’s caregivers.

Observing New York state guidelines on restrict-ed room occupancies dur-ing COVID-19, a walk-through visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Masks are required at all times.

A private family service will be held, officiated by the Rev. Tim Phelps. Burial will take place in Sunset Hill Cemetery with full mil-itary honors.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Chautauqua Hospice & Pal-liative Care, The Resource Center, or to Special Olym-pics.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.lind funeralhome.com.