Kenneth W. Johnson Sr.

FRANKLIN - Kenneth W. Johnson Sr., age 82, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Franklin.

He was born in Berkshire on January 1, 1934 to the late Willard & Eva (Lahue) Johnson.

Kenneth grew up in Berkshire and married Marilyn Lumbra in 1956, shortly after they purchased a farm on State Park Road in Franklin. They started small, Kenneth worked at Champlain Chevrolet as a mechanic for several years until they doubled up in 1968 and he could work on the farm full time. Kenneth retired when he was 70 years old, but his love for being a farmer remained; he would operate equipment for the neighboring farm and care for the family pets, Molly, Emma and Drake (or Jake as Ken called him), during the day while their owners were away.

When Kenneth wasnt working, or moving dirt with Henry his bulldozer, he enjoyed spending time at camp on Lake Carmi and going to casinos. He also liked to travel and always looked forward to his familys annual trip to Old Orchard Beach in Maine.

Kenneth leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Johnson of Franklin; their children, Vanka Menard and her husband Donald and Lorna Johnson all of Franklin and Mark Johnson of Bakersfield; daughters-in-law, Diane Cassidy of Highgate and Faith Johnson of Franklin; 8 grandchildren, Nicki Tatro and her husband David Jr. of Franklin, Krisy Tatro and her husband Lucas of Highgate, Mandy Giroux and her husband Jason of Sheldon, Cole Johnson and his fianc Kelly Kane of Berkshire, Devin Johnson of Franklin and Jeremiah, Kyle & Eric Johnson all of Highgate; 9 great grandchildren, Alex, Owen, Aidan, Ella, Brody, Riley, Camden, Talin & Keedin; a sister, Charlotte Hammond and her significant other Wendell Bing Gilbert of Enosburg Falls; close family friends, Simeon & Jenessa Gervais and their son, Parker all of Franklin and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents, Kenneth was predeceased by his son, Kenneth Johnson Jr.; a premature great granddaughter Sophia Nicole Tatro and his siblings, Sterling & Cortes Johnson, Marjorie Stowe and Bernice Carter.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 11:00 am at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls with Rev. Dr. Jason McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in East Franklin Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00 am until the hour of the service.

For those who wish, contributions in Kenneths memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478.