Howard Paul Johnson

Howard Paul Johnson was a loving dad, grandpa, and husband. He died at the age of 82, on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Big Meadows Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held Friday, August 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hope United Methodist Church in Chadwick, Illinois. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. also at the church. Burial will take place in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson, Illinois.

Howard was born on December 16, 1931, the son of John and Florence (Williams) Johnson in Thomson, Illinois. Howard proudly served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Korean Conflict. After Howard’s active duty, he served in the Army Reserve. On June 25, 1954, he married Dorothy Newendyke in Chadwick, Illinois.

Howard worked for the Carroll County Highway Department for 18 years, retiring in 1995. He also enjoyed farming in the area for over 20 years. He was a loyal member of the Hope United Methodist Church, the Savanna Moose Lodge, the Thomson American Legion, and the Carroll County Sherriff’s Auxiliary. Out of all of Howard’s activities, his favorite was spending time with his friends, family, and especially his grandchildren.

Howard is survived by his wife, Dorothy; three children, Mark (Deanna) Johnson of Lanark, Illinois, David (Betsy) Johnson of Belvidere, Illinois, Carole Zickau of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren, Emilee, Brycen, Brantley, Presley and Macie, who was born during the moments of Howard’s death.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence; three sisters, Norma Smith, Alberta Johnson, Dorothy Law; one brother, Lloyd Johnson; and his Sheltie, Gracie.