William Halvor “Bill” Johnson, 74, passed away in Sheridan Memorial Hospital on Friday, May, 15, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Gillette, WY on August 7, 1934, to William and Mildred (Reed) Johnson. Bill grew up in Gillette and after graduating from high school he moved to Sheridan. He married JoAnn Chapek. They later divorced. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Turkey and Fort Sill, OK from 1956 until 1961. Bill married Margo Baker on December 14, 1968. He worked for the Sheridan Police Dept. from 1961 until 1971. He went to the Sheriff’s Office in 1971 as undersheriff for Pete Frith from 1971 until 1975. He then became Sheriff until 1991. Bill was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, National Sheriff’s Academy and many other law enforcement schools. After retiring from law enforcement, he worked for the VOA in Supervision Services until he retired. Bill was a life member of Elks Lodge #520.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and son Billie.
Bill is survived by his wife Margo of Sheridan; daughter Sharon (Peter) Callan of Georgia; sons Steven (Sharon) Johnson of Sheridan, Charles (Alex) Johnson of Germany and Rick (Nan) Wallach of Sheridan; brother Larry (Elizabeth) Johnson of Sheridan; thirteen grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; an aunt and several cousins.
Viewing will be from 4:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday May 19th, from Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:30am on Wednesday from Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Goodwin officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Elks Section. Military rites are by the Wyo. National Guard and the American Legion.
Memorials may benefit the Welch Cancer Center, 1585 W. 5th St., Sheridan or the Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Road, Sheridan.
