January 12, 1932 - August 30, 2026
OBITUARY
Lindell Ray "Lin" Johnson, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 12, 1932, Lin lived a remarkable life filled with family, friendship, service, hard work, laughter, and an unwavering determination to prove that he could do whatever he set his mind to.
Lin was the youngest of five children born to Otis and Hazel Johnson. He was preceded in death by his siblings Ruby, Paul, Harold, and Zelda. He carried the memories of his family with him throughout his life.
Lin proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving aboard the USS Reclaimer. Following his military service, he built a long and successful career in the engineering department at Lockheed Martin, where he dedicated 36 years before retiring.
But Lin's greatest pride was always his family. He was the devoted father of three daughters, Sheri, Barbara, and Kathleen. During their childhood, he coached their softball teams and could often be found on the field cheering them on, teaching them, and encouraging them to give their best. He also enjoyed playing on his own company softball team.
Lin loved staying active and never seemed to believe that age should tell him what he could or could not do. He enjoyed taking long hikes, sometimes walking as far as nine miles. He survived a quadruple bypass and COVID, seemingly just to prove everyone wrong. At 94, after breaking his back, Lin once again defied expectations. He worked with doctors and therapists and walked again-because, as anyone who knew him would say, Lin was not about to let anyone tell him he couldn't.
To call Lin a strong fighter would be an understatement.
He was also quick-witted, independent, and never lacking in the sarcasm department. His sense of humor was one of the things people loved most about him. That wonderful sarcastic streak has been passed down through the family-even to his youngest great-granddaughter.
Lin loved bringing people together. He was famous for cooking his favorite crockpot dish for family gatherings and gatherings with friends. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #2049 in Sunnyvale, California, where he enjoyed Taco Thursdays and his weekly poker games. He also looked forward to meeting with his Saturday Breakfast Club each week, enjoying good food, good conversation, and the friendships he had built over the years.
Lin is survived by his daughters, Sheri Dimas (Jim Dimas), Barbara Keele (Christopher Keele), and Kathleen Garza (Cindy Miller); his 5 grandchildren, Daniel, Anthony, Francisco, Ashley, and Raymond; and his 7 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Audrey, Sophia, Cruz, Anthony, Axton, and Collyns.
Lin's life was defined not only by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched. He was a Navy veteran, a dedicated employee, a coach, a friend, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-and, above all, a fighter who refused to give up.
He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, his humor, his stubborn determination, and his love with them always.
Lin may have finally met his match, but knowing him, he probably still had the last word.
Please reach out to the family directly for service details.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Johnson family.
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