Benjamin Perry "Ben" Johnson, Jr.

Benjamin Perry Johnson, Jr. 60, of Lexington Park, MD passed away on April 10, 2015 in Callaway, MD. Born on April 4, 1955 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of Veronica M. “Boots” Johnson of Leonardtown, MD and the late Benjamin P. “Johnny” Johnson, Sr. Ben was the loving husband of Bonnie Johnson of Lexington Park, MD and who married on April 6, 1979 in Leonardtown, MD. Ben is survived by his children: Steven Johnson of Bethany, Ok, Trishawnna Johnson of Lexington Park, MD, Amber Lyn Johnson of Piney Point, MD, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Siblings: Debra I. Johnson of Harper’s Ferry, WV, Leonard W. Johnson of Great Mills, MD, and Karen M. Johnson of Milwaukee, WI. He was preceded in death by his sister Veronica L. Johnson of Loogootee, IN. Ben worked as a Lead Emergency Services Dispatcher for Patuxent River Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. Ben was born and raised in St. Mary’s County, MD and spent his life enjoying all it had to offer. He was a quiet man who lived a full life. His wife Bonnie and he enjoyed countless hours fishing, crabbing, and just being on the water in their many years together. Ben’s love for his wife of 36 years and his children knew no bounds. He was happiest when surrounded by all. He was very proud of their many accomplishments. Ben was known far and wide for his love of all things spooky, scary, and Halloween. For many years, he helped create and coordinate haunted houses around the county. If you were chased down a dark alley with a chainsaw after leaving a haunted house, you probably have Ben to thank. Throughout the years, Ben volunteered at Bay District VFD and Lexington Park Rescue Squad. As Lead Emergency Dispatcher at NAS Pax River, he was awarded the EMS Stars of life from MIEMSS. Through calm instruction, Ben and his dispatch partner saved the life of a 20 month old child who was not breathing and turning blue. Ben had a lifelong love of Harley Davidsons. Although later in life, he couldn’t ride he was always a Harley Davidson man at heart. As Ben’s health was compromised by COPD, he spent countless hours enjoying movies with his daughters Trishawnna and Amber. He also spent many hours playing the online game “Borderland” with his son Steven in Oklahoma. In addition to his immediate family, Ben is survived by many nieces and nephews, and Bonnie’s loyal and loving family Bubby Johnson, Pat Sweitzer, Mary Nestegard, Ruth Schumacher, Dottie Joy, and Polly Quade. Ben chose to spend his final days being cared for at Hospice House in Callaway, MD. The staff at Hospice House gave Ben and his family great peace and comfort at a difficult time. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Brother William Combs officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Face Catholic Cemetery Great Mills, MD. Pallbearers will be; Art Dahlberg, Roger Nestegard, Ed Voorhaar, and Representatives of the Red Nights Anthony Thomas, Joe Gould, and Patrick Stanley, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Sam Bakeley and Jeff Urness. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.