Ben Johnson, 71 of Kirksville, passed away Thursday (October 1, 2020) unexpectedly while gathering wood with his grandson, Riley.
The son of John L. and Lois (Burton) Johnson, he was born September 6, 1949 in Kirksville, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Margaret McClanahan in December of 1969, to which two sons were born, Richard (Rick) and Randall (Randy). Later on, he married Connie Bragg on October 1, 1984.
Ben is survived by his wife, Connie, one granddaughter, Bailey Nacy and great grandson, Carter of Kirksville; two grandsons, Riley Johnson (Ashley Playle, fiancé) of Hannibal and Brady Johnson of Kansas City. He is also survived by one brother, John Leon Johnson (Coleene) of Hallsville, and two sisters, Fay Youngblood (Bobby Joe) of Unionville, and Nadine Lumsden (Randy) of Kirksville. Also surviving is one aunt, Virginia Johnson of Novinger. Ben has many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ben was preceded in death by his sons, Richard (Rick) and Randall (Randy); his parents, John L and Lois; and two sisters, Judy Foss and one who died in infancy. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Roy Laverne and Mary Bragg.
Ben spent most of his childhood north of Green Castle, attending the Novinger School District. He graduated from La Plata in 1967. In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Upon returning, he served in the Missouri National Guard for twenty years. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, McGraw Edison, Burrough’s/ Standard Register, and Kirksville Ready-Mix, where he was currently employed. Ben spent his time being out on the farm cutting wood, deer hunting and camping. He also enjoyed card playing and dancing.
Ben was a former member of the VFW and local Moose Lodge
He enjoyed family gatherings where he told stories to lots of nieces and nephews, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 10am-noon at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow, with Randy Johnson officiating and music by Donny Roberts. Military rights will be conducted at the funeral home. It was Ben’s wish to be cremated and burial will happen at a later time. The family requests no flowers or plants please give donations to the Refuge Cemetery.