Clarendon Johnson
Scottsdale, AZ | Save
Clarendon Lee Johnson, always known as Lee, passed away on May 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, AZ, at the age of 93. He was born in Peoria, IL on June 5, 1932, to Clarence and Harriette Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara; son Craig Johnson of Scottsdale, AZ; son Eric Johnson (Valerie) of Sewickley, PA; and grandsons Kenny (Olivia) and Drew Johnson. He was predeceased by his brother, Erle Johnson.
Lee attended Peoria High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1954. While there, he was a member and President of the Sigma Chi fraternity, manager of the Fighting Illini baseball team and in ROTC. Most importantly, during college he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Cross. Lee and Barbara were married on August 15, 1954. Upon graduation, Lee received his commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After training, he and new his new bride moved to Germany where Lee served in the Army’s Signal Corps.
After completing his military service, Lee began his career with Westinghouse in the expanding field of distribution and logistics. His distinguished career path led to positions of increasing responsibility with a series of Fortune 500 companies, culminating with a move to Columbus, OH in 1986 when he became President of Logistics for Limited Brands. His community involvement included being Chairman of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the John Glenn Airport Authority and Chairman, as well as founder, of the Greater Columbus Inland Port Commission. As an enthusiastic golfer, while in Columbus he was a member of Double Eagle Golf Club, the Memorial Club, and the New Albany Golf Club.
After retiring from The Limited, Lee was appointed by Governor Taft as Director of Development for the State of Ohio. He traveled tirelessly throughout Asia and Europe promoting Ohio as a desirable place to live and work.
Lee fully retired in 1998 when he and Barbara moved to Carefree, AZ. They became dedicated members of the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and pursued passions for horses and golf. They joined Desert Forest Golf Club, where they became active members. In 2011, Lee and Barbara settled into Vi at Grayhawk, a retirement community in Scottsdale.
A graveside service will be held on May 19 at 10am at Oak Grove Cemetery (801 E. Spruce Street) in Jerseyville, IL. A memorial service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary (8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale) on June 27 at 12 noon, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of C. Lee Johnson to the Mayo Clinic Scottdale (https://give.mayoclinic.org) or Hillsdale College (https://secured.hillsdale.edu).
Crawford Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
