Edward “Heason” Charles Johnson, 82, of Newburg, passed away on April 24, 2020. A lifelong resident of West Virginia, he was born to the late Edward and Nellie-Jefferys Johnson on Aug. 26, 1937, in Old Borgman.
Edward belonged to the UMWA District 31 and worked at the North Branch Island Creek mine until it closed, then retired on Sept. 1, 1996, from Consolidation Coal Potomac mine. He worked in the coal mining industry for 43 years, starting in 1955, along-side his dad, cutting coal and hand loading into coal cars.
Through his years of dedication to the industry, he saw the innovation from picks, shovels and ponies to long wall miners and conveyer belts. He also saw the difference the union made in safety, wages, benefits and representation.
He was a hard-working family man. He lived a life of simplicity and was self-less in his actions. His pride and joy were his family and, especially, his grandchildren. Known as “Pap” he enjoyed watching them grow and always said, “you worry less when they are under your feet”. He was an avid gardener, fisherman, wood worker and a WVU Mountaineer Fan. Ed was a loving son, husband, dad, pap, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Agnes (Haskiell) Johnson whom he married on April 24, 1957, in Oakland, Md.; four daughters; Barbara and Jim Bowman, of Newburg, Debra Brady, of Morgantown, Karen and Ed Smith, of Newburg, Kim and John DelSignore, of Fellowsville, and son-in-law Mike Moore, of Newburg; 13 grandchildren, Chris Johnson, James Bowman, Ben Bowman, Mike Moore, Charlie Moore, Cindy Bolyard, Ashley McCutcheon, Samantha Brady, Bob Brady, Brittany Perry, Jacob DelSignore, Allison Smith and Nicholas Smith; 22 great-grandchildren; his pets, Abigail and Baby; one brother and spouse Frank and Geraldine Johnson, of Newburg; two sisters, Mildred Haskiell, of Tunnelton, and Dorlene and Roger Weaver, of Reedsville; three brothers-in-law, Roger Haskiell, of Kingwood, Bill Haskiell and Joe Haskiell, both of Tunnelton; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by one daughter, Dianna Johnson-Moore, in 2013, son-in-law, Robert Brady and a special brother in-law and dear friend, George E. Haskiell, in 2010, both of whom he has missed dearly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jim Johnson and two sisters, Lucille “Sis” Kephart, and Geraldine “Tiny” Root.
A private visitation and service will be held on Sunday. Private interment will be on Monday at Pratt Cemetery.
Condolences:
www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com
