Alf Johnson, 98, of South Charleston, passed away, Thursday, March 16, 2006, in the Valley Center Nursing Home.

He was born October 13, 1907, in Kanawha County.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Kathleen Hope Scarberry Johnson, by daughter, Carolyn Hope Shields, by baby son, Avon Ray Johnson and by his son-in-law, James H. Saunders.

Alf worked at Barium Reduction Chemical Plant in South Charleston for more than 35 years and retired from the Kanawha County Board of Education. He was a Methodist and a faithful member of St. Lukes Methodist Church in Spring Hill.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughter, Mara M. Saunders of South Charleston, son-in-law, James L. Shields of South Charleston, granddaughter, Victoria L. Fisher and husband, Richard of Cross Lanes, grandsons, Gary L. Kessell and wife, Sally of Saint Albans, Michael R. Kessell and wife, Beverly of Cross Lanes, Jeffrey S. Kessell and wife, Sandy of Dunbar; step grandchildren, Sondra Saunders Medley of Monroe, GA, Michael J. Saunders of Grayson, GA; and 10 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, brothers, Wesley Johnson of Parkersburg and Arthur W. Johnson of Charleston and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Alf wishes to thank all the people who work at Valley Center Nursing Home, for the wonderful love and care you have given to "Papaw" and his family. We love you all.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2006 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Paul Baldwin officiating. Burial will be in Fox Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday, March 19, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.