Wells River, VT David Ellis Johnson, Sr., 87, died October 17, 2010, at Brookside Nursing Home, White River Junction, VT following an extended illness. He was born in Swiftwater, NH, October 7, 1923, the son of David H. and Ethel (Tewksbury) Johnson. He graduated from Bath High School and entered the U.S. Army on March 17, 1943. He served with Battery D 776th Antiaircraft Artillery in Europe and was discharged as a Corporal on December 8, 1945. On July 26, 1949, Dave was one of 26 men who formed the Heavy Mortar Company, 195th Regimental Combat Team National Guard in North Haverhill. Of those eight original veterans, Dave was the last survivor. Dave was a life member of VFW Post # 5245 of North Haverhill, NH, and served as its Commander on two separate occasions. He was a member of the Woodsville United Methodist Church. He always enjoyed pitching horseshoes and woodworking. Dave was a self employed electrician and had also worked for Henry Hartley and George Huntington. He married the former Elsie Lamarre on August 12, 1943. Survivors include his wife of 67 years Elsie Johnson of Wells River, VT; a son, David E., Jr. and wife Kathryn of Woodsville, NH, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren; a niece, several nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two sons, Stephen E. and Gary A. Johnson, and two sisters, Margaret Estes and Mildred Smith. Calling hours will be on Friday, October 22 from 6-8 PM, at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. The funeral service will be on Saturday, October 23, at 1 PM, at the funeral home with Pastor Susan Ellery of the Woodsville United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Woodsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodsville United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Reita Jones, 8 Ammonoosuc Street, Woodsville, NH 03785, Bath Congregational Church, c/o Mr. Everett Rust, 102 Pettyboro Road, Bath, NH 03740, or to the Horse Meadow Senior Center, 91 Horsemeadow Road, North Haverhill, NH 03774.