Charles Edward Johnson III

Palmer resident Charles Edward Johnson III, passed away at Mat-Su Regional hospital on February 15, 2016. He was 70 years old.

Charlie was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 10, 1946, to Shirley Evans and Charles Johnson II.

Charlie and his three sisters were raised in Pennsylvania until he was 6. His father passed away and his family and step-father, John Kinda, drove the Alaska Highway to Alaska.

They settled in Moose Pass/Crown Point, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing as he grew up.

He graduated from Seward High School in 1964. He entered the armed services and when honorably discharged had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Alaska National Guard.

He spent his life as a truck driver for many of Alaska’s trucking companies throughout the building of the Alaska Pipeline and after. He worked for Weaver Brothers, Mukluk Freightlines, Kodiak Oilfield Haulers, Peak and finally McKenna Brothers.

He was a member of Alaska Teamsters Local 959 with a ledger number of 5872. He had been an active member for 49 years at the time of his death.

During his life he was a private pilot and owned his own plane.

He was also a member of the Palmer Moose lodge.

He was a friend to many. He could always be depended on to help his friends in need.

He is preceded in his death by his parents and sisters, Carol Thomas, Patricia Doyle and Sandra Dye.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Bob Lander, Debbie Lander, Dawn Tilton, Bruce Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Suzie Thomas, David Thomas, Michael Dye, James Dye, Shari Doyle and Jimmy Doyle

Per his wishes he was cremated and his ashes will be spread near Moose Pass.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.