Larry Arvid Arnon Johnson

Larry was born to a cute 16 year old girl named Marie and her handsome husband, Vern on a hot July day in the central valley town of Stockton, California. Eleven months later two more boys were born to Marie and Vern, twins Gene and Alan. This was the beginning of a happy, rowdy adventurous family that 10 years later added one more boy, Ardelle. Larry, at almost 11 years of age, thought Ardelle was his special child to raise. Baseball, football, grandma’s homemade bread and pies, church on Sundays and other days of the week and jeans that were so starched they stood up by themselves were just a few of the memories Larry shared with us over the years. A close knit family, Larry left for Pasadena Nazarene College after high school and never returned but always loved his roots and family. Eventually meeting his wife-to-be, Sharon Grannis, while attending Central Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena. Larry and Sharon were married at that same church after Larry’s senior year in college and Sharon’s freshman year there. Larry worked for the post office to support himself while attending college. Forty plus years later, he graduated from that job with the post office to retirement. Becoming a psychologist as he had originally planned got sidetracked along the way. Soon after marriage, eleven months and nine days to be exact, Kimberly Joann was born to Larry and Sharon. Larry was so happy to have a girl, that when Sharon was expecting child number two sixteen months later, Larry announced he wanted another girl. Jason Ardelle didn’t cooperate in that department but turned out to be the sweet, fun boy Larry realized he really wanted after all. Three and a half years later, Matthew Darrel was the final beautiful child born to that lucky couple. Matt was an amazing miracle for Larry and Sharon as he was very near death for seven days after birth. 35 years later Matt is the living proof of God’s healing miracles. Larry’s loves away from the post office was fishing, gardening, fishing, reading, fishing, old music and fishing. The entire family spent many days on the shores of a variety of lakes waiting for the trout to strike – which it actually did occasionally. Larry took great pride in his work with the post office, being a letter carrier for many years, a window clerk, carrier supervisor, postmaster, driver and assorted other positions. He would express frustrations about management and then defend them to the hilt. He was loyal to the post office and his position there for his entire career. Larry was an amazing worker and received numerous awards from the post office as a result. Larry’s extended family of many, many aunts, uncles and cousins were always a close knit group and Larry loved family get togethers. As Kimberly, Jason and Matt grew up and added spouses and grandchildren the family grew in many ways. Larry was always loved by and loving with his grandchildren, Uri, by marriage, and Rachel, Jason’s children and Celeste, Kaila and Richie, Kim’s children. Larry would pick kids up from school, chauffer them to clubs and events, prepare meals for them and do all the good grandpa things. Just a week ago, Larry took Richie on a fishing trip to Big Bear. As a result of many years of pounding the pavement, Larry struggled with some joint and back issues in his later years that became very disabling but Larry continued to be as active as possible up until the end of his life. The shock and unexpectedness of Larry’s death will remain with the family for a long time. Larry passed away loving his family, home, church and most of all his Lord, Jesus Christ. A bible scholar who knew his Bible inside and out, Larry was thrilled to worship with such a blessed and blessing congregation the last years. Larry’s now home with his Saviour.