Alan Douglas Johnson

December 7, 1934 - October 12, 2018

Alan Douglas Johnson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 83, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, went to be with the Lord October 12, 2018. Born December 7, 1934 in Marion, Ohio. Known as "Big Al" he is grievously missed by his family and friends.

Alan grew up in Delaware, Ohio, with many friends, playing school sports, attending church activities and spending time on his grandparent's farm. He attended The Ohio State University, and pledged Delta Chi fraternity. Alan was a proud member of The Ohio State marching band, playing the slide trombone and baritone horn. The highlight of his marching band experience was a cross country train trip to perform at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He served in the U.S. Army in Fredrick, Maryland. Alan had a successful career as an executive in banking, and later an entrepreneur and owner of several small businesses.

Alan had many interests including a love for travel, reading, crossword puzzles, playing chess and WWII history. An avid golfer, he was a Charter Member at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. He was also a member of Scioto Country Club and the Athletic Club of Columbus. In high school, Alan loved playing football and basketball. Later in life he enjoyed tennis, swimming and downhill skiing. Devoted to his family, Alan was active with his children and grandchildren regularly attending sporting events, recitals and school activities. Alan regularly attended church and was an active member in the Lion's Club in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Twila Johnson; brother Charles Johnson, sister and brother-in-law Linda and Lewis Maxwell, and brother-in-law Richard Peterson. He is survived by his loving wife Karen Johnson; sister Judith Peterson; daughters Patricia Baker, Lorie Skidmore and Lisa (Sean) Preiss; grandchildren Amanda (Kevin) Mulroony, Lindsey Baker, Chelsea (Matt) Cremean, Ashley and Alex Skidmore, Ryan and Nicholas Preiss; great grandchildren Quinn and Logan Mulroony.

Visitation and receiving of family and friends will be at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43221, Saturday, October 20 at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. Family graveside service at Kingwood Cemetery in Lewis Center, Ohio to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or at stjude.org.

Alan was a member of the marching band from 1952 through 1955. He played tenor horn in F-Row.