Marlene I. Johnson

Marlene Johnson was born Marlene Iris King in Haverhill New Hampshire on March 23,1932 to Irma King and Elwood Nelson. Shortly after she was adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle Rowena and Errold Nelson. After her aunt and uncle fell in ill health, Marlene went and staid with Dr. Erb a local veterinarian. She graduated from Haverhill academy in 1952 and shortly after joined the US army working in the finance department.

While serving, she met her first love and married Charles W. Salmon. After their discharge they settled in Lindsay Oklahoma for the next several years. During this time Marlene and Charles had their son Allan Salmon.  Marlene lived a busy life raising a son, being a wife, working several jobs, and going nights to get her degree in finance. Marlene started Salmon book keeping, owned and ran an oil company, worked as a night dispatcher at the Lindsay police department, worked as a secretary at D.E. Jones, and taught cosmetology.

In 1990 while attending a Fiddlers Association event Marlene met the second love of her life Bill Johnson. A few years after they met and got married Marlene retired. During this time Marlene moved to South OKC where she lived the rest of her life.

Despite working multiple jobs and living a busy life, Marlene still found time to enjoy herself. She enjoyed going to the lake, fishing, going to the OU football games, and shooting. She used to reload her own ammo with her first husband and ended up being one of the first women in Oklahoma to receive their conceal carry permit. Marlene would also help out in her community. Whether that was buying clothes for those in need, helping the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, or volunteering at the church.

Marlene was preceded in death by Charles Salmon (first husband), Bill Johnson (second husband), Rowena and Errold Nelson (Aunt and Uncle), Irma King (mom), Elwood Nelson (dad), Dianne and Jerry Elliott (step daughter)

Marlene is survived by Alan Salmon (son), John Salmon (grandson), Larry and Deborah Johnson (step children) and their children, and Dianne Elliott’s children.

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