G. Thomas Johnson

Johnson,

G. Thomas

Muskegon, Michigan

G. Thomas Johnson III, age 85, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 17, 1938 to Ellen (Jamieson) and G Thomas Johnson Jr. He lived his first year in Buffalo, NY before returning to Philadelphia where he attended school through the ninth grade. Tom attended Hagerstown High School graduating in 1955. He then went on to Franklin and Marshall College and University of Pennsylvania Law School, class of 1963. Tom met his wife to be, Patricia Crowl, during college They were married on May 10, 1962. Upon graduation, they moved to Muskegon, MI with their son Geoff. Son David and daughter Beth were born in the following years.

Tom practiced law as a Muskegon County Prosecutor for several years before going into private practice with other local attorneys, eventually joining Thomas O'Toole in 1969. They later merged with others to become Parmenter O'Toole. The bulk of Tom's practice was in municipal law. He was the attorney for Sullivan Township and Egelston Township before becoming the city attorney for Muskegon where he remained until retiring in 2002.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family while camping, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and skiing, both downhill and cross country. He was interested in politics and served as Chairman of the Muskegon Democratic Party, hosting Jimmy Carter when he first ran for President.

Tom loved to sing! He was a member of church and college choirs, Muskegon Chamber Choir, Cosmops and sang at countless weddings and funerals. He also sang the role of Sir Lancelot in Muskegon Civic Theatre's production of Camelot and in "Most Happy Fella". Tom attended the Berkshire Choral Institute for several years in Massachusetts and Canterbury, England. Tom was an avid reader and loved discussing literature. He also loved history and was a member of the History Club for many years.

Always active in the community, Tom served on the boards of Lakeshore Museum, Michigan Childrens Leukemia Foundation, Harbor Hospice and was a past President of West Michigan Symphony. He was also a long-time member of First Congregational Church where he served on the Governing Board and sang in the choir.

SURVIVORS

Wife of 61 years, Patty; 2 sons, Geoff (Barbara Garner) Johnson of Brookline, MA, David (Tracy) Johnson of Maitland, FL; daughter, Beth (Matt) Cooper of Knoxville, TN; 6 grandchildren; Brother, Bill (B) Johnson; 4 nieces and a nephew.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, December 9, 2023, 2:00 PM at First Congregational Church UCC with Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating. VISITATION, one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers please consider the Community Foundation of Muskegon County, First Congregational Church, or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon