Obituaries : Lee Manuel Johnson

Lee Manuel Johnson, son of the late Lee Boyd Johnson and Alice M. Tutt Johnson, was born on December 23, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a loving son and protective big brother to the late David Roy Johnson. He passed away in Belle Plaine, Iowa, on May 27, 2022.

During Lee's early years, the Johnson family moved to Steubenville, Ohio. They believed that education coupled with a strong spiritual foundation would lead to better opportunities that otherwise might not be realized. Lee received his formal education in the Steubenville public school system where he graduated with honors from Steubenville High School, commonly known as Big Red. Upon completion of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Europe and served in Vietnam. Lee received many commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal.

Following his military service, Lee embarked on various career and entrepreneurial endeavors. He worked several years as a police officer for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Later, he operated a limousine business and drove for many prestigious individuals. After years of chauffeuring others, Lee earned his commercial driving license (CDL) and began long hauling truck deliveries. He spent many years traveling throughout many states as a long hauler truck driver. He made many friends who thrived from his kindness, knowledge, and ability to share his experiences freely. Over time, Lee created and owned his own long hauling trucking company. He enjoyed the long road trips and life in the west and eventually retired in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Lee was well-known in his community for his great love for family, neighbors, and friends. He served as the family historian and maintained an archive of mental information. He had a passion for and continued to support hospitalized Veterans; and received recognition for his kindness, thoughtfulness, constant caring, and unselfish generosity.

Lee will be fondly remembered as a man who worked hard and valued others by exemplifying his Methodist faith practice and the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," Matthew 7:12. He had innate intuitiveness and compassion that afforded him the gift of blessing everyone he met with his undivided attention, leaving everyone feeling respected, heard, and worthy.

Even in his last days, his good nature continued with kindness towards others, always expressing gratitude and positivity. All who met him agreed that he was a joy to be around.

Lee M. Johnson is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Boyd Johnson and Alice M. Johnson, and his brother, David Roy Johnson.

Left behind to cherish his kind spirit is his loving cousin, Wanda Flowers of Greensboro, North Carolina, extended family, and friends.

The family wishes to thank Tracy Robertson and the Staff at Belle Plaine Specialty Care/Care Initiative Hospice for their kindness, support, and assistance in facilitating his wish for interment in his hometown of Steubenville, Ohio.

A graveside service will be on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Union Cemetery in Steubenville, OH, at 10:30 AM with military honors. COVID protocol is recommended. This service will be live streamed.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Services of Belle Plaine, Iowa, and Vinson Mortuary, LLC of Steubenville, Ohio.