Earl Johnson, 87, of Plainfield Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Gracedale Nursing Home, Nazareth. He was the loving husband of Helen Knitter Johnson, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born on March 29, 1929, in Wind Gap, he was one of thirteen children of the late Charles and Nora Beck Johnson.

Earl worked as a lineman for the Metropolitan Edison Company, from where he retired in 1990 after 38 years of service. As both a founding and lifetime member of the Plainfield Volunteer Fire Company, he devoted much of his free time to serving the community. After retiring, he enjoyed being outdoors and gardening.

In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by two sons, Russell, Sr. and his companion Virgie Frailey of Sciota, and Martin and his wife Elsie of Saylorsburg; a daughter, Janet Ziegenfus and her husband Brooks of Gilbert; two grandsons, Russell Johnson, Jr. and his wife Jacky of Florida, and Colin Johnson of Saylorsburg; 3 great-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving are 6 sisters, Wilhelmina Krobeth of Nazareth, Ethlyn Achenbach of Wind Gap, Shirley Fehr of Saylorsburg, Naoma Whitmore of East Stroudsburg, Margie Redshaw and Wintha Knitter both of New York; a brother, John Johnson of New York; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Raymond and Percy, and sisters, Carol Sutton, Arvonia Smith and Arlene Johnson.

Family and friends are invited to call from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, July 6, and from 10 to 11 am on Thursday, July 7, at the Schmidt Funeral Home, 202 West Street, Wind Gap. Funeral services will begin at 11 am Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Dean D. Frey officiating. Burial will follow in Plainfield Cemetery.