Myles Cantley Johnson of Sheridan, Arkansas, formerly of Vacaville, California, passed from this earth on November 5, 2004 at the Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 85 years.

He was born the second of 6 children, on December 16, 1918 in Alamagordo, New Mexico to Fredrick W. and Etta Mae Hinkle Johnson.

He was married to Helen F. Treichler on January 25, 1941 and she preceded him in death on July 17, 1994.

He was also preceded in death by his mother, Etta Mae Johnson Beasley; father, Fred W. Johnson; brothers, Otto Ebling, William Fredrick, Leslie Rueben and a sister Viralee Johnson.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol and son-in-law Jim Burgess of Sheridan, Arkansas; daughter Myla Forbes of Sacramento, California; brother Charles Franklin Johnson of Colorado; grandchildren, Leanna (Burgess) and Steve Veazey, of Sheridan, Arkansas; Larry Burgess of Sheridan, Arkansas; Debra (Forbes) and Michael Carter of Austin, Texas; Matthew Forbes of Brighten, Colorado; Laura (Burgess) and Sam Kelley of North Little Rock, Arkansas; 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, a special niece Roberta Sandoval of Booneville, Arkansas; and many more nieces and nephews.

He was born and raised in New Mexico, where he spent his youth wrangling cattle, striking out on his first cattle drive at the age of 8. At 18 years of age he moved with his uncle to Oroville, California, where he met and later married his wife of 53 years, Helen "Toodie" Treichler.

Mr. Johnson was then employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad for 4 years, after which time he went to work in his father-in-law, August E. Treichler's sheet metal and air conditioning business.

He was a World War II veteran and served 4 years in the South Pacific. He was an avid squaredancer and squaredance caller and loved teaching this type of folk dancing to all ages. He loved horses, hunting and showing off his backyard model train. His family and friends will miss his playful spirit and love of storytelling.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. The family wishes to express their heartfelt love and appreciation to the caring family of staff at the Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their dedication and sincerity.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel, Sheridan, Arkansas at 10:00 A.M. with the Rev. Kenneth Click and Bro. Brandon Carter officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oroville, California. Pallbearers are Medardo Sandoval, Derrick Walker, Elmer Williams, Fred Veazey, Clifton Roberts, L.C. Harrington, Jason Woods.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com .