[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E849-E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN CELEBRATION OF MERRILL JOHNSON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Merrill 
Johnson's upcoming 100th birthday on May 24, 2012. Mr. Johnson lives in 
my hometown of Columbus, Ind., with his beloved wife of 73 years, 
Irene. Together they have three children: Edward, Merrillyn, and 
Douglas, all of whom still reside in the Hoosier state.
  Mr. Johnson was born near Clayton, Ind., in Hendricks County. He 
attended grade school in the area, and in 1935 he met his wife at the 
local Christian Church where her brother was serving as minister.
  Mr. Johnson worked for Noblitt-Sparks (later Arvin Industries) for 33 
years, retiring in 1977 as the Director of Labor Relations. Prior to 
working at Arvin, he worked for both Bridgeport Brass in Indianapolis 
and Link-Belt Company. After he started working, Mr. Johnson studied 
accounting, labor law and psychology through an extension program of 
the collection

[[Page E850]]

of Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler University, 
Indianapolis Central University (now University of Indianapolis), and 
Franklin College.
  An avid writer and photography lover, Mr. Johnson regularly 
contributes a two-page column, ``Four Seasons Musings'' to his 
retirement community's monthly newspaper.
  Throughout his 100 years, Mr. Merrill Johnson has been dedicated to 
his family and friends, and I am grateful for his contributions to our 
great state. I am honored to commemorate a life of integrity and 
service to his family and his community.

                          ____________________