Obituaries

Hans Siegfried Johnson

Photo of Hans Siegfried Johnson
Hans Siegfried Johnson, age 102, of Pine Bluff, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Born at Pine Bluff on September 17, 1917, he was a son of the late John Bates Avery Johnson and Hattie Culver Johnson. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1934 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University. He played clarinet in the LSU Band and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Johnson joined the United States Army Air Corps and earned his wings in April of 1941, and was trained on the DC-3, and B-18 aircraft.. During World War II, he was stationed in Panama, flying reconnaissance missions over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans looking for enemy submarines that might sabotage the Panama Canal. After the war, he returned to Jefferson County and engaged in farming with his father. He later joined with his father-in-law in the G. R. McSwine Lumber Company, which operated a saw mill. The mill was later closed, and for a number of years he was a lumber buyer for the Owosso Furniture Company. In the 1950's, he reestablished the G. R. McSwine Lumber Company as a lumber wholesale business. He operated the business until 2006. Mr. Johnson was president for over 50 years of the Westside Hardwood Club. Mr. Johnson was very involved in Masonic activities for many years. He was a member of Pine Bluff Masonic Lodge #69, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a York Rite Mason, and a past-potentate of the Sahara Shrine. He was the oldest living member of First United Methodist Church, and was a past chairman of the official board. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Nathalie McSwine Johnson on September 20, 2019; two grandchildren, John Bates Avery Johnson IV and McKensie Culver Johnson; his brothers, Kenneth Culver Johnson and John Bates Avery Johnson, Jr.; and his step-mother, Lula Hargis Johnson. Survivors include three sons, Ross Culver Johnson of Pine Bluff, Rev. Siegfried Johnson and wife Sherry of Hot Springs Village, and J.B.A. "Johnny" Johnson, III and wife Karen of Dallas; five grandchildren, Page Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Brittany Rupple, John Allen Rupple, and Cameron Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Christian Taylor, Evy Wagnon, Nathan Wagnon, and Avery Wagnon, grandchildren, Page Johnson, Ashley Johnson, and Cameron Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Christian Taylor, Evy Wagnon, Nathan Wagnon, and Avery Wagnon. A private family service was held on Friday, April 3, 2020 with Rev. Mike Morey officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. For the service video, please visit our website, RalphRobinsonandSon.com so that you may attend the service in spirit. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601.

Published April 4, 2020

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