Marvin A. Johnson

Marvin Adair Johnson, age 95, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Marvin was born April 9, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa to Richard and Irene Lottie (Austin) Johnson. He was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. He graduated from East High School in 1945. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy from September 17, 1945 to January 17, 1947. He began his military career at the U. S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He served at the Point Lorna Annex (formerly Naval Supply Depot) in San Diego and the Industrial Command U. S. Naval Repair Base in San Diego. He was awarded the Victory Medal, the Medal of Honor, and more recently, the Purple Heart on February 9, 2022. Marvin held the honor of being the last surviving WWII Veteran to reside at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

After his military service, he graduated from the University of Michigan Business Institute. Marvin was a faithful member of Bethel AME Church in Des Moines for many years. He enjoyed playing the cello, base violin, trombone and piano. He was an avid reader.

Marvin is survived by his sister, Patricia E. Barner; brother, Rudolph “Rudy” P. Johnson; nieces and nephews: Alfred Veasley, Jr., Marquis “Mark” Veasley, Duhvall Veasley, Kervin Veasley, Andre Johnson, Richard Johnson, Wendy Johnson, Ursala Johnson, Cheri Barner, and Bobby Barner; as well as a host of other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Irene Johnson; sister, Nadine Marie Veasley; and brother, Burnell A. Johnson.

Services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Glendale Cemetery after the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Marvin, in care of Marquis Veasley, PO Box 3047, Des Moines, IA 50316.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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