Antonio Johnson Jr

Antonio M. Johnson, Jr. was born May 8, 1926 to Antonio M. Johnson, Sr. and Martha Allen Johnson in Columbus, Ohio. After a lengthy battle with numerous unresolved health issues, he peacefully departed this life at his Columbus residence. A World War II veteran, Antonio enlisted in the United States Navy at the early age of sixteen and was discharged in May 1944. His three sons and a grandson later followed in his footsteps by joining the military themselves. Antonio married the former Gladys E. Clark and together they reared twelve children. They remained united in matrimony until her death separated them. On November 11th, they would have celebrated sixty-six years of marriage. Antonio worked as a laborer with various construction companies before his retirement and was an active member of the Laborer’s Union Local 423 for 50 years. The type of work he did was always apparent as his hands and feet were always raw from the concrete exposure. After his retirement, Antonio began working as a janitor at Bishop Watterson High School (1986 to 2007), where you would always find him helping with one of the sports teams. The 2003 State Championship Football team adopted him as their mascot and insisted that he attend every game. Antonio, who was known by many as Tough Tony, was an amateur boxing champion and later became professional. A Golden Gloves recipient, his career took him throughout the country, and he eventually went on to coach other boxing athletes and referee matches as well. Locally, Antonio was a promoter and trainer for the youth boxing team at Beatty Recreation. Antonio was always lending a hand with Maynard’s Auto Wrecking. He enjoyed meeting his buddies every morning at White Castle. He enjoyed listening to music and having a good time. He always had a smile for everyone. In addition to his wife and parents, Antonion was preceded in death by two sons Antonio Johnson, III and Terry Johnson, grandson Johnny Sullivan, granddaughter Erica Johnson, sister Evelyn Edwards, daughter-in-law Pam Johnson, and brother-in-law Ernie Dumas. He leaves to cherish his memory, ten children, Richard (Azalia), Lewis, Antonietta, Wayne (Kim), Theresa, Phillip (Velma), Dexter, Karol, Gary Robin; sisters Genevieve Dumas and Sheryl (Ricky) White; grandchildren, Gary Jr., Donice, Dominic, Larry, Bernadette, Kent, Steve, Michael, Brian, Sonya, Tammarra, LaToya, Sean, Gregory Jr., Danielle, Rochelle, Charmelle, Amber, Brent, Michael, Dennis, Devonte, Antonio “AJ”, Terrell “TJ”, Monik, Juana, Keisha, Tania, Wesley, Darius, Courtney, Zach, Diamond, Brooklyn English, Carena, Jason and Darius, a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, many close family members and special friends. Homegoing Service 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2010, in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street, where the family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the start of service. Interment Arlington Field of Honor, Canal Winchester.