Troy Ervin Johnson

June 1, 1931 – September 17, 2021

Troy Ervin Johnson, 90, a 57-year resident of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at his home.

Troy was born June 1, 1931, in Ava (Squires) Missouri, to the late Everrett and Anna (Brown) Johnson.

In a family of 12 children, Troy was number nine, the youngest of three boys with nine sisters. He came to Washington state in 1946 with his mother and three youngest sisters. He quit school at a young age to help provide for his mother and sisters, residing in the Yakima Valley working fruit and agriculture. He later settled in Tri-Cities, Washington, going into construction work at Hanford.

He met Mae Knight in June of 1950. They were married Aug. 8, 1952, at Selah, Washington, building their first home at Kennewick, Washington, where their three sons would be born.

In 1964, they moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where he worked at Concrete Products of Moses Lake for 20 years. When Troy was not working at his job, he was a very ambitious worker for the church he attended. He accepted a position to pastor the Church of God in Moses Lake, Washington, being voted Sunday School Superintendent of the Year three years straight. After 20 years, he was forced to give that up because of health problems. He was then employed at the Columbia Basin Herald in 1985 for 28 years. His friendly, magnetic smile and helpful ways gained him many friends wherever he went.

He was a big fan of the Zags, Seahawks and Mariners. His hobbies included tending rose bushes, peach trees, strawberry patch and Walla Walla sweet onions.

Survivors include three sons Randy and wife Arna Johnson, Jeff and wife Connie Johnson and Jim Johnson, all of Moses Lake, Washington, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Troy was preceded in death by his wife Lillian Mae Johnson Oct. 24, 2017.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Memorial Services, 14403 Road 2 NE, Moses Lake, Washington.