Thelbert W. Johnson

April 18, 1938 - January 20, 2017

Thelbert Ward Johnson was born in Villa Ridge, Illinois on April 18, 1938 to James and Monette Johnson. He was the third of seven children. The family moved to Jackson, Michigan in 1955. Thelbert graduated from Jackson High School in 1956. He enrolled at Jackson Junior College in 1956 and graduated in 1958. He enrolled at Michigan State University in 1958 and completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 1961. Thelbert was in the United States Military from 1962 until 1964. He reached the rank of Sergeant and was in the United States Army Reserve until 1967. He performed engineering services while in the military and was proud of the fact that he designed many products for airplanes and helicopters including steps for boarding and exiting helicopters. Thelbert began his employment and spent seven years (1964¬1971) at Aeroquip Corporation in Jackson Michigan as a Development Engineer. He then was employed by Consumers Power Company (natural gas provider) as a General Engineer from 1971 until his retirement. Thelbert was a woodworking wizard. His engineering skills and training were evident in post-retirement. He made many products ranging from ballpoint pens, lamps, cutting boards, Rolls Royce, etc. He belonged to several organizations including the Boy Scouts-Land of Lakes Council as a Sustaining member, the Jackson Service Club, and the Breakfast Optimist Club of Jackson Mr. Johnson leaves to cherish his loving memory the following: his wife, Patricia; sisters, Joyce Hudson, Willett Hudson, and Mauryce Jackson (Leoman); brothers, James F. (Marie), Jerry (Marguerite), Larry (Ida); children, Fletchia Daphne and Torrence Lamar. He also leaves his step-children and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.