Obituary for Harold Davis Johnson

Harold D. Johnson, 88 of 1940 1st Avenue NE, formerly of Fairfield, died Thursday evening, May 31 at Manor Care in Cedar Rapids. Memorial services will be held in Fairfield at a later date. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield, Iowa. Friends may, if they wish, donate in memory of Harold to the Alzheimer’s Association of East Central Iowa, 1570 42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Harold is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen, two daughters, Sylvia McGuire of Cedar Rapids and Janel Dolezal and husband Roy of West Des Moines, two sons, Chris Johnson and wife Carol and Jan Johnson and wife Sharon both of Fairfield, Iowa, a sister Virginia Johnson of Des Moines and 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert Johnson Jr. and Robert Johnson. Harold was born September 2, 1918 in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Albert and Elsie (Davis) Johnson. He attended Iowa State University prior to enlisting in the Army during World War II. In the Army, it was apparent that Harold possessed incredible engineering skills and was relocated to the Army’s proving grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. Harold married Helen McCallister on June 15, 1941 in Fairfield, Iowa. Harold’s engineering skills attributed to the creation of 26 patents during his lifetime. He created the automatic timing mechanism that allowed machine guns on airplanes not to hit the propellers. He also invented the automatic timing mechanism for washing machines as well as the balancing mechanism that allowed the tub to rotate with uneven loads. In addition, he patented the refillable aerosol sprayer for painting equipment. Harold enjoyed working in his model shop at home and the art of lapidary. He dearly loved his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him. Please leave a memory, message or tribute to the Johnson family at www.iowacremation.com Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Eastern – Central – Western Iowa.