Norris Kelly "Butch" Johnson

Norris Kelly “Butch” Johnson

     KEYSER, WV – Norris Kelly “Butch” Johnson, 75, of Keyser, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at his residence.

     Born Monday, September 28, 1942, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Norris L. and Roberta M. (Center) Johnson.

     Mr. Johnson returned to college in 2001 graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the age of 57. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years as a medical laboratory specialist. Norris worked at Celanese from 1969 to 1985 and later at Children’s Home Society for 2 years providing help to struggling families before retiring.

     Norris spent his younger years moving to different locations due to his father being a “Major” in the U.S. Army. On April 23, 1967 in Loveland, Colorado he married soon to be Virginia “Gini” Alyce (Chalupa) Johnson. They started their married life together in Boston, Massachusetts but a few years later moving to a small farm in New Creek, WV. After his mother’s passing in 1969, Butch’s sisters and father came to live with them.

     Butch and Gini set off in 1987 to travel the United States for over 6 years which they did in a camper. One of the most special days was when he and Gini went to hear Billy Graham in Denver, CO and it was on that day that they gave their lives to Jesus. He has been a member of Danville Community Church for the last 10 years. Among traveling, Butch enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger days. He also was an avid reader of various kinds of novels and the bible.

     Surviving are his wife of 50 years Virginia “Gini” Johnson; his sisters, Sally Johnson and Peggy Biser and husband Mike; his brother, David Johnson and wife Beverly. He is also survived by nieces, Kim Stevenson, Lori Johnson, Leah Diehl, Kayla Diehl, Jesse Biser and Charlotte Johnson and nephews, David Johnson Jr., Andy Stevenson, Mac Stevenson and Harry Stevenson.

     In lieu of Flower, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 2151, Memphis, TN 38105, Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Faith in Action Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1073, Keyser, WV 26726

     Friends will be received at Markwood Funeral home, Keyser, on Monday, January 29, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at the Danville Community Baptist Church, 18800 Middle Ridge Rd SW, Rawlings, MD 21557 on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2p.m., with the Pastor Harold Frank Pilcher officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Military honors will be given at the church by the West Virginia Army National Guard and American Legion Post 13 Honor Guards. A private Committal Service will take place at a later date.

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