Alger Johnson

Alger Lee "Toby" Johnson, age 84, of Gowen, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at home under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The son of Harry & Katharine C. (Finucane) Johnson, he was born on May 17, 1938 in Greenville. After graduating from Lakeview High School in 1956, Toby began a career with the R.J. Tower Corporation in Greenville, first as a press operator, then as a lead man spot welder, while also serving as the union's vice-president. In 1971 the joined the management ranks as a Foreman, then was promoted to Night Operations Manager in 1973, Maintenance Manager/Plant Engineer in 1978, Manager of Stamping Operations in 1986, Director of Special Projects in 1989, and retired in 1993 after 34 years of dedicated service to the company and his fellow associates. Toby's lifelong passion for attention to detail and "getting things right the first time" will long be remembered by his family... and especially his children. On May 2, 1959, at Belding, he married Beatrice Ann Mays. Together they raised four children and enjoyed 43 years of marriage until Bea passed away on August 3, 2002. While Toby worked at Tower's and Bea in her own beauty salon, together they enjoyed golfing, traveling, and camping. He had been a member of the Sons of the American Legion at the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post No. 101, the Eagles Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bea Johnson; two brothers and two sisters, Ivan Johnson, Patricia Brewster, Betty Phillips, and Bobby Johnson. Surviving are his children, Katie Johnson of Greenville, Brenda Lee Johnson & Rebecca Guerrero of White Cloud, Robert James Johnson & Jennifer Baker of Greenville, and Jill Ann & Mike Scott of The Colony, Texas; his dear friend and companion of the past 17 years, Beverly Andersen of Ionia; nine grandchildren, Danielle & Matt Mulholland, Jenny & John Simons, Jeanette Glover, Keaton Johnson, Drew Johnson and her fiancee, Shane Wright, Lauren Scott, Logan Scott, Travis Scott, and Ian Scott; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; a sister-in-law, Shirley & Jim Cowles of Belding; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, with the Rev. Tim Simon, pastor of City Church Greenville, officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony at the Greenville American Legion Post, followed by graveside committal services at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Little Denmark Cemetery, Gowen. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alger Johnson, please visit our flower store.