William “Bill” Perry Johnson, 92, of Milan, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, surrounded by his family.
William was born to Hadley and Fleda (Jacobs) Johnson on April 19, 1932, in Green City, Missouri. He and his family lived in both Milan and Colorado. In 1950, he graduated from Humphreys High School. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, fighting in the 5th Cavalry and earning the rank of Corporal. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) and obtained a master’s degree. He taught for 30 years, focusing on COE, drafting, woodworking, and several math classes. He also held several other occupations, including truck driver, bus driver, farmer, roadway construction worker, machinist at Banquet Foods, and dock worker for P.I.E.
On September 28, 1956, William married Carletta (Haggy), and they enjoyed 67 years together. They had four children: Trina, Tony, Mike, and Lana.
William was a shining example of a father, husband, grandfather, friend, and teacher. He was a man of many talents, including woodworking, jewelry making, mechanics, furniture building, and more. His greatest joy was playing music on his steel guitar at local music shows, singing, and dancing. Bill was most proud of being a teacher and helping others. He loved the Lord and his family and touched the lives of all he met.
Bill was a member of the American Legion Post #228, VFW, Freedom of the Road Riders, Lions Club, and the Milan Christian Church.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carletta Johnson of Milan; his brother, Gordon Johnson of Milan; his four children, Trina (Rod) Spear of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Tony (Lorra) Johnson of Kidder, Missouri, Mike (Debi) Johnson of Camdenton, Missouri, and Lana Ledford (Jim Hopkins) of Milan; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings John Clinton, Jolene, and Edith, two brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.
A funeral service for Bill will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Milan Christian Church. Burial will follow at the Green Castle Cemetery, east of Green Castle. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion Post #228.
