Obituary of Ralph E. Johnson

"Palmer, Ralph E. “Crickey” Johnson, 81, formerly of Palmer, died Friday, July 15 at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home, where he has resided for the past 13 years. Born in Palmer, September 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Ralph and Beatrice (Wallace) Johnson. Growing up in Palmer, he served his country in the Army in WWII and Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 130 in Palmer. Ralph later moved to Valley Joe, CA where he lived for many years before returning to the area. He worked for many years for the Central Vermont Railroad and Swift Poultry Farm in Palmer. In later years he worked at the New England Race Track. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers Charles, Leroy and Richard, as well as a sister Agnes Wallace. He is survived by four brothers, Bernard F. and Donald “Sid” Johnson, both of Palmer, Robert “Lobby” O. of Monson, Kenneth and a sister Beatrice Johnson of Fairfield, CA. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home followed by burial with military honors in Mass. Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam at 1:00 p.m. Calling hours are Thursday evening, July 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Please make donations in his memory to Holyoke Soldier’s Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, 01040. "