Gordon “Gene” Johnson, 90, of Lucerne, Missouri, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville, Missouri, on Saturday, August 28, 2021. He had lived at the Care Center for three years.
Gordon Eugene Johnson was born in Newtown, Missouri, on February 5, 1931, the son of Gordon Garold and Ivah Mae (Pauley) Johnson, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Newtown High School in 1948. Gordon served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. He married Mary Louise Lewis in 1954 and she preceded him in death in 2008.
Gene and Mary lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 21 years where Gene worked for Square D manufacturing. But love of farming and Putnam County brought them to Lucerne in 1975. Gene engaged in raising hay and cattle for the next several years. He was also an active member of the Lucerne American Legion, often serving on Military Honor Guard details at funerals. Gene liked to visit and never met a stranger. He had an ornery, but lovable personality and was a good storyteller.
Gordon is survived by a brother, Billy Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was also preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.
Graveside services with military honors for Gordon “Gene” Johnson will be at the Newtown Cemetery in Newtown, Missouri, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO.
Memorials are suggested and checks should be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Newtown Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, Missouri, 63565.