MT. UPTON – Howard R. “Beanie” Johnson, 83, of Mt. Upton passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Wilson Regional Medical Center, Johnson City, surrounded by his family following a long struggle with COPD.  Howard was born June 29, 1925 son of the late Orville I. and Bessie L. (Schermerhorn) Johnson in Rockwells Mills.  He joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater and Adak, Alaska. 
On Feb. 13, 1947, Howard married Beatrice Harris in Mt. Upton. 
Howard worked as a supervisor at Bendix, Sidney, for over 30 years.  After retirement from Bendix, Howard worked as a rural mail carrier for several years in McDonough, South New Berlin, Morris and Mt. Upton.  He was a life member of the Joyce Bell American Legion Post #578, Unadilla, Corp. Ralph Arrandale Post #7914 VFW, Sidney, and Sampson World War II Navy Veterans.  He was a former member of the Maplewood Cemetery Board of Directors.
Beanie enjoyed fishing with his boys, and hunting and trapping were some of his favorite things.  He loved the outdoors, especially camping at Copes Corners Camp Grounds with his family and friends. 
Howard is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Beatrice M. Harris Johnson of Mt. Upton; one son and daughter-in-law:  Howard R. “Barney” and Debra Johnson of South New Berlin; two daughters and sons-in-law:  Linda and Gary Slawson of Binghamton; Sharon and Dr. Louis Jablin of Staten Island; gandchildren:  Travis Johnson of South New Berlin, William and Carmen Slawson of Poinciana, Fla., Jon Slawson of Windsor, Jeffrey Slawson of Buffalo, and Benjamin, Megan and Melissa Jablin all of Staten Island; great-grandchildren:  Drake, Brianna and Lindsay Slawson of Poinciana, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law: Raymond and Carol Johnson  of Unadilla; three sisters-in-law: Florence Johnson of Norwich, Virginia Johnson of Delhi, and Ellen Harris of Texas; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents, Orville and Bessie, Howard was predeceased by his daughter, Laura May Johnson, two sisters, Gladys Porter and Dorothy Christian, and his brother, William M. Johnson.
Friends are invited to call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Upton, with Rev. Gerald Bovee, pastor, officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Mt. Upton. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Beanie’s name may be made to the Mt. Upton Emergency Squad.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. 
 Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.