Wilmer Leroy Johnson, 96 of Sterling passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023, at his home from natural causes. A celebration of Wilmer's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Selby Batty officiating. The service will conclude at the church and a luncheon will follow at the church hall and all are welcome to stay.

Wilmer was born August 21, 1926, on a farm near Akron, Colorado to William Johnson and Minnie (Hartman) Johnson. He graduated from Akron High School in 1943 and immediately served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was stationed in Italy. He served as a platoon sergeant from 1943 – 1945 and was honorably discharged. After his discharge, he attended Northeastern Junior College, where he met the "love of his life", Donna Melendy. He received an Associates of Arts degree, and in June 1951 they began the marriage that was to last a wonderful 71 years. Wilmer went on to attend Colorado State University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Over the years, Wilmer was a manager at Borden Dairy, farmed wheat land, taught Business Ag at NJC, and served as director of the non-profit Cooperating Ministries.

Wilmer was committed to his community, serving with the Sterling Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, BPO Elks, United Way and Jaycees. He held many leadership positions with these organizations, from chaplain to President, and was awarded "Citizen of the Year", "Lion of the Year", "Pathfinder Award", and "Humanitarian Award". As a cancer survivor, Wilmer was passionate about establishing Relay for Life events and was named honorary chairperson for the American Cancer Society, raising record breaking donations from 2003 – 2017. He was always quick to thank the many tireless friends who made his interests meaningful – especially his wife of 71 years, Donna. Wilmer and Donna loved to travel and cruise, often leading the whole family on cross-country or international adventures. Their annual reunion at Grand Lake was a family highlight. As a Jesus follower, Wilmer's faith in Christ meant everything to him. His life's goal was to make a positive difference. As best he could, he did.

He was preceded in death by his wife Donna Melendy Johnson who passed in December 2021, and brothers Arthur and Delmar Johnson.

Wilmer is survived by his son Bruce (Kay) Johnson of Fort Collins, CO, daughter Barbara (Brett) Nelson of Atwood, CO; granddaughter Laura (Andy) Moore with great-grandkids Madeline, Oliver and Everett of Fort Collins, CO; grandson Matt Johnson of Boston, MA; granddaughter Mary (Jason) Harryman with great-grandkids Paisley and Ryder of Merino, CO, and grandson Mark (Danielle) Nelson with great-grandson Graham of Denver, CO.

Contributions may be made in Wilmer's memory to Cooperating Ministries, 230 N. 10 ^th Ave., Sterling, CO 80751.