Uncle Johnny

The bully of Butler County, Missouri, was twice his size but he was no match for my Uncle Johnny. He said he never went lookin' for a fight but he wouldn't back down from one either. In fact, you might say my uncle was a bit of a scrapper in his day.

Despite growing up during the depression and experiencing many difficulties throughout his lifetime, Uncle Johnny never let things get the best of him. He is still passionate about life today, even at the age of 97. That passion is threefold when it comes to the welfare of this country. He's looking forward to casting his vote for this year's presidential election. Today's political deadlock is a major concern of his and he wants to see things change.

Johnny in earlier years.

  

My uncle was a member of the 116th Engineer Battalion of the Army's 41st Infantry Division. He was stationed in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Japan during WWII.  He experienced many life changing events during that time but he's proud that he served his country; and that he was given the opportunity to shake hands with General MacArthur. Uncle Johnny also remembers meeting Bob Hope, who he says was a bit odd, but, he said, you could tell that he was a very nice man who was devoted to serving the troops.

Johnny is the second from the left in the second row. (Click to enlarge.)

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Time spent with my mother and and her brother, Johnny, this past 

weekend taught me a few things about the pair. For one thing, they are
probably the proudest and most determined people I know. 

Lorene, 81, and her brother, Johnny, 97, have been close throughout their

lifetime. He was very protective of his younger sister.

I also came to realize that whenever my Uncle Johnny sees a camera aimed his

direction, his personality changes. He is no longer a 97 year old man but rather a coverall

clad six year old boy getting a charge out of taunting the photographer. Attempts

to take Uncle Johnny's picture brought about some of the following results:

97 Years Young