Anthony George “Tony” Johnson, Sr 1946-2009

Anthony George “Tony” Johnson, Sr., of Dixon, was born on January 28, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of Walter and Virginia (Sielky) Johnson and departed this life at 2:40 A.M., Thursday, March 5, 2009, in the UniversityHospital and Clinics, Columbia. Mr. Johnson had been in failing health and had attained the age of 63 years, 1 month and 7 days.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage on July 9, 1965, at Dixon to Linda Lee McGehee and to this union three children were born. His mother preceded him in death.

Mr. Johnson was a retired United States Army veteran. He began his career in Detroit, Michigan serving during the Viet Nam Era. SFC Johnson was honorably discharged at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri after faithfully serving his country for 22 years. Following his retirement, Mr. Johnson worked for EDP Enterprises, Fort Leonard Wood for 20 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Plato No. 469 A.F & A.M.; Eastern Star Plato Chapter 240; Valley of Joplin Shriners and the American Legion Post No. 331, St. Robert.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Johnson include: his wife of 43 years, Linda Johnson, of the home near Dixon; one son and daughter-in-law, Anthony G., Jr. and Danielle Johnson, Taylorville, Illinois; two daughters and one son-in-law, April and Alfred Shull and Theresa Johnson, all of Springfield, Illinois; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Patricia Duller and Diane and David Dillon, state of Michigan; sister-in-law, Caroline Sue Bowlin, Dixon; three grandsons, Curtis and Matthew Johnson and Bryce Shull; Nephews; Nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, precious memories of Mr. Johnson will long remain in the hearts of his dear family and all who knew and loved him.

Masonic services under the auspices of Plato Lodge No. 469 A.F. & A.M., were held for Mr. Johnson at 6:30 P.M., Sunday evening, March 8, 2009, in the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Johnson at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 9, 2009, in the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon with a United States Army Chaplain, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, officiating. Appropriate musical selections were played for the funeral service.

Military graveside services and interment were in the West Fairview Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon. United States Army military personnel from Fort Leonard Wood served as active pallbearers for Mr. Johnson.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital with envelopes available at the office of the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon.