Obituary of Warren R. Johnson

Warren R. Johnson, 81, of 1 Victor Ave. in Warren, Pa. and Bradenton, Fla., died Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Warren Manor. He was born April 11, 1928 in Jamestown, a son of the late Theodore and Elvera Nystrand Johnson. In the early 1950's, Warren operated a used car lot in Jamestown. In 1956, he moved to Warren where he owned and operated Warren Midtown Motors successfully for 40 years. Warren attracted business success through his love of used cars. After transferring ownership to his family, he retired in 1999. An avid NASCAR fan over the years, Warren was actually an early member of NASCAR and drove his 1956 Ford Crown Victoria on Daytona Beach's "Measured Mile" at 110.9 MPH on February 21, 1956. This entered him into the Century Club for having gone over 100 miles per hour. He also entered a vehicle in the 1960 Daytona 500. Warren understood motors and mechanical vehicles, finding fun in the rush of going fast in cars, snowmobiles and boats. As an avid boater, he and his wife enjoyed boating in New York, Florida, Canada and the Caribbean. He was past commodore and honorary life member of the Chautauqua Lake Power Boat Club and also belonged to the Vikings Lodge, Circulus Club at the Ironstone, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the Moose and the Warren Elks Club. Warren always enjoyed traveling and had owned several motor homes throughout the years. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Jean Ruden Johnson, whom he married December 20, 1946; three children: Susan (Stephen) Taraska and Peggy Johnson, both of Warren and Charles "Dusty" (Kolette) Johnson of Russell, Pa.; four grandchildren: Tiffany Taraska, Travis Taraska, Amanda Anderson and Charlette Hecei, all of Warren; and four great-grandchildren, Ryan Taraska, Connor Hecei and Kadence and Rocky Anderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerome Johnson. A celebration of Warren's life will be held at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club on Thursday, April 1st, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. The family invites friends and relatives to join together with them to share stories and photos. Visitation and service will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Lake Power Boat Club, c/o Dan Backus, treasurer, 464 Baker St., Jamestown, NY 14701. Arrangements and cremation are being handled by the Lind Funeral Home.