Robert George Johns Sr.

Longtime Valley resident Robert George Johns Sr., 91, passed away June 9, 2013, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Robert was born Nov. 30, 1921, in Detroit, Mich. He traveled with his parents and brother to Alaska in 1929 and lived in the town of Matanuska for 18 months, then returned to Michigan. He returned to Palmer with his wife and two sons after he served in World War II with the U.S. Navy in 1946 and went into partnership with his parents in the North Palmer Store, where he delivered groceries to the Jonesville coal mines.

In 1960, he sold the store and again returned to Michigan, where he worked with his brother as a draftsman and was involved in the construction of many beautiful homes. In 1972, Robert and his wife Marylou could not stay away from Alaska and again moved to this beautiful Valley, where they both felt so at home. He started a general contracting business, Johns Building Co., in 1972 and in 1973, his youngest son returned and partnered with the company. He retired in 1985 to enjoy golfing in the summer and traveling to Florida to snowbird for three winter months.

He was active and an Honorary Life Member in the Palmer Elks Lodge, a Past Commander for the American Legion Post 15 and a member of the Palmer Moose Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years. He is survived by two sons, Robert Johns Jr. and wife Ibtisam of Georgia, and Victor and wife Kathi of Palmer; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice in the Valley, 950 E. Bogard Rd. No.132, Wasilla, AK 99654 for all the wonderful assistance given during this difficult time.

A celebration of life is at 2 p.m., June 22 at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 Barry’s Resort Rd.