W.L. "Larry" Johnson
June 10, 2021
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
W.L. Johnson (aka Larry) was born in 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Charles and Mellie Johnson. Larry passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Iowa on June 10th, 2021.
The Johnson family moved to Des Moines during Larry's teen years and he graduated from Des Moines North High School. Upon graduation, he answered his Country’s call to service and
enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Hospital Corpsman until he was released from active-duty November 1967 and was Honorably Discharged in 1970.
In 1969, Larry joined the Des Moines Police Department. During his distinguished career of over 33 years, he was a founding member of the Des Moines Police Mounted Patrol and worked as the liaison officer to the Homes of Oakridge community for many years. Johnson also served as the commander of the Des Moines Police Academy, Crime Prevention Unit, and Uniform Division Special Operations.
W.L. retired at the rank of Captain in 2002 after having conducted himself with quiet dignity, wit and wisdom and endearing himself to all those who had the good fortune of interacting with him.
During retirement, Larry treasured his peace and quiet yet always welcomed visits from family and friends. He delighted in taking trips with his sister Eva Mae back to the Kentucky hills from whence they came. He enjoyed watching, photographing, and recording the beauty of the abundant wildlife on his “Little piece of paradise at the end of the road.”
Larry will be remembered for his lifelong patriotic service and will be dearly missed by his friends and family. He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents, sister Eva Sommers (James), and many treasured Kentucky kinfolk. He is survived by Craig (Amelia) Johnson, Milisa (Keith) Schulz, and their sons, Austin and Drew.
The family will greet friends Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Larry will be laid to rest with military honors following the service at Linn Grove Cemetery in Prole, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed the Des Moines Police Department (K9 Unit), Attn: Chiefs office, Shelly Tyler in loving memory of Larry.
You have lived and served well, Captain Johnson. You may now Rest in Peace, “We have the Watch.”
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Neil leighter
06/16/2021
W.L. was my field training officer after the police
academy. We both graduated from North high
School, a year apart. I learned a great deal from
him that followed me throughout my career at
DMPD. My condolences to his family.
Deana Torgrim
06/15/2021
There is not enough words to express how honored I feel to have been a part of Larrys life the past 33 years. I knew Larry in two different ways, most importantly through his daughter Milisa and also through law enforcement. He touched the hearts and lives and was an amazing mentor to so many people. He was one of the most dignified men I know. I will miss sitting in his living room listening to his Kentucky stories, those were the best times. I will forever hold those stories dear to my heart. I will work diligently to keep the promise I made to you with great honor sir. Life will defiantly never be the same without you. May you R.I.P and fly high with Eva, your mom and dad.
Bill McCarthy
06/15/2021
Larrys obit stated he conducted himself with quiet dignity, wit and wisdom. Could not agree more with that. He was a great work buddy. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Dave Brown
06/14/2021
Great guy to work for. He knew the importance of taking care of those who worked around him. When an officer under his supervision did something that needed positive mention, W.L. was the first one to acknowledge it. He knew a pat on the back went further than a kick in the butt. He truly was a dedicated officer.
Dave Brown
(retired DMPD)