Robert Johnson

Robert (Bob) Alan Johnson, 81, passed away peacefully November 16th, 2017 at Divine Mercy Guest Home II, Bakersfield Ca. Bob was born in San Bernardino, Ca on April 5th, 1936 to Jewell and Helen (Long) Johnson.

Bob grew up in Upland, CA, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario CA 1954. He attended Brigham Young University in 1954-1955. From 1956-1958, he served his 2 year church mission to France. He also served his country honorably in the Army during the Korean War.

On August 12, 1960, he married Mary Ann Stout, and was blessed with 4 sons, Scott, Robert Jr, Craig, and Benjamin.

His upbringing exposed him to the importance of working hard to support himself and started work very early in his life. With degrees in Business from UCLA, CSU Chico, Fresno, and a JD Degree from the University of Seattle, Puget Sound, he had an extensive variety in his professional life, including time working with his father’s construction business, a busboy a Las Vegas hotel, Stock Broker, a successful franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken stores throughout the San Joaquin Valley, a mail carrier for the US Postal Service, and a Paralegal with Aera Energy from which he retired in 2008.

Throughout his life he had involved himself in so many satisfying interests, but France was his first love, traveling many times there after his mission and later sharing that experience with friends in later years by organizing and leading trips with them. His artistic side included learning and playing several musical instruments, painting, dancing, and had an incredible voice. An avid reader, he had such a love for poetry and would occasionally share with others. He also was very mechanical with his construction experience and ability with auto restoration. He had obtained his pilot’s license which he utilized in his business. He had a passion for cooking which he often enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

On April 9th, 2011, he married Dawna Kay Nielsen Selzer.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, older sisters Darlene Lucas of Bakersfield, Janet Pace of Oregon, and his grandson, Samuel.

He is survived by his wife, Dawna, of Bakersfield, His brother Jim (Beverly) of Kennewick, WA, from Bob’s prior marriage to Mary Ann Stout Johnson, the following children, Scott (Mary) of Minneapolis, MN, Rob (Laurie) of South Jordan, UT, Craig (Darci) of Provo, UT, and Benjamin (Amy) of Santa Clarita. Dawna’s children, Jeff Selzer (Gia) of Wichita, KS, and Chris Selzer of Bakersfield. Included in the family are 14 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held November 30th, at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on 5600 Panorama Drive in Bakersfield. Interment will be at the Bakersfield National Cemetery at 2:00 PM that afternoon.

Thursday, November 30, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM