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Lawrence Hanford Johnson. Memorial Services for Lawrence Hanford Johnson will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 4 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Gary Dill will officiate. Larry was born to Harry Stainbrook Johnson and Florence Wagner Johnson in Cedar Rapids, IA on May 30, 1926. He died October 6, 2008. Larry graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids in 1944 and immediately joined the United States Navy. He served in the Philippines. Following his discharge, he enrolled in Coe College in Cedar Rapids, where he majored in economics. After graduation, he went to law school at University of Michigan, graduating in 1952. Over the years, he missed very few of the schools reunions and he kept in close touch with his friends from that era. He was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 1952 and the New Mexico Bar in 1953. He became the partner of UM Rose in 1953 and remained in the firm of Rose and Johnson until he was elected District Judge in 1984. He loved the practice of law and remained interested in it throughout his retirement. Larry was involved in community affairs from the time he arrived in Hobbs. He was on the board of the Community Players for many years, and was the first recipient of the Tom Mason award; he served on the Hobbs Library board for over 20 years; his interest in music led him to play trumpet in the community band and in several musicals; he also was an early supporter of the Southwest Symphony and a member of the board. He particularly loved musicals and trips to NYC and London were mainly to attend as many productions as possible. He had an avid interest in politics beginning when he was in junior high and served as chairman of the Junior Wilkie Club. At Coe, he was president of the young Republicans. He served four years as Lea County chairman of the Republican party and later as state treasurer of the party. He attended several national conventions. Larry also loved trains and had an extensive collection, some from his boyhood. Several trips to England, Scotland, and Wales were planned to give him many miles of train travel. He was a 50 year member of First Presbyterian Church in Hobbs where he served both as trustee and elder. Larry is survived by his wife, Joyce Howard Johnson, whom he married in Hobbs in 1962; and his daughter, Regina Elise Johnson. He is also survived by a cousin Dr. Richard Schreiber and his wife Toby of Mailibu, CA; and his brother-in-law James Dolan Howard of Pahoa, HI. Both parents preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coe College 1220 First Avenue, Cedar Rapids, IA 53402 or First Presbyterian Church of Hobbs. Arrangements are being handled by Chapel of Hope.
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