Harold J. Johns, 98

Mr. Harold J. Johns, 98, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in the Passavant Retirement and Health Center.

Mr. Johns was born on September 3, 1918 in New Castle to the late Carl and Mary Friday Johns. Harold enlisted with the U.S. Army on May 19, 1941 and served with the 48th Ordnance Company until his discharge on January 19, 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was awarded the American Defense, American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Good Conduct, and Victory Medals. Following his service with the Army, Harold worked as a surveyor on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He later earned a Degree in History from Geneva College, a Masters in Education Degree from West Minister College, and worked on his Doctorate Degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Harold then became a sixth grade teacher with the Riverside School District for over 30 years. He had studied Arabic and for many years taught Arabic Immigrants the English Language. He is also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and the French Club. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and building Blue Bird houses.

Mr. Johns is survived by his daughters, Marcia (Frank) Podnar of Zelienople, and Carol (James) Colao of Ellwood City, his son, Curtis (Ruth) Johns of New Castle, his seven grandchildren, Curtis (Amanda) Johns, Rev. Brandon (Christine) Johns, Brian (Danielle) Johns, Megan (Jared) Hartzel, Jessica Podnar, Brooke Colao, and Theron Colao, and his seven great-grandchildren, Carson Colao, Lily Johns, Anna Johns, Carter Johns, Ethan Johns, Luke Johns, and Addison Hartzel. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Evelyn J. Lipp Johns whom he married on May 23, 1953 and passed away on January 26, 2013, his sister, Anna Babcock, and his brothers, Charles and Ray Johns.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 6-8 pm in the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services and on Saturday from 10-11 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church. A Service for Mr. Johns will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley and his grandson Rev. Brandon Johns officiating.

Interment will be at the Koch Cemetery in Unity, Ohio. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday by 11:30 am to conduct full military honors.

The family requests you view the obituary and sign the guestbook at http://www.teolisfuneralhome.com/