Obituary for Gary D. Johnson
SMSgt. (Ret) Gary D. Johnson, age 84, of Fairview Heights, IL, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 21, 2023 at his residence. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.
He was born April 16, 1938 in Galesburg, IL. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Keeon and Velma (Albright) Johnson, a brother, Robert Johnson, and the love of his life, Phyllis Braden.
Phyllis & Gary were married on March 16, 1957 in Sullivan, IL. Phyllis passed away in July of 2009.
Surviving are his three daughters: Cathryn Eghigian (Steve Hehr) of Florissant, MO, Tracy Wilmsmeyer of Troy, IL and Angela (Walid) Chamma of Smithton, IL; his niece: Jeneane Braden; his eight grandchildren: Courtney Eghigian (James O’Bryan), Lindsey (Jay) Johnston, Matthew (Amanda) Wilmsmeyer, Marc (Carrie) Wilmsmeyer, Miranda Wilmsmeyer, Hunter, Caden & Logan Chamma; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Johnson.
If you knew Gary, then you knew he loved his family fiercely & unconditionally. He was the one you could call at any time, day or night and he would be there. He would, literally, give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was one of a kind, a jewel of a man, and the world was a better place with him in it.
Everyone who knew Gary felt his big heart and giving nature. His bear hugs were legendary. He was a huge fan of all sports - especially the Chicago Cubs.
We take comfort in knowing that Gary is now at peace, reunited with his wife in Heaven.
Mr. Johnson retired from the United States Air Force in 1986 as Sr. Master Sergeant. After his military retirement, he was a butcher for Steak-Out in Belleville and Maryville. He loved to travel & see the world. He spent time living in Greenland and Germany. He recently traveled with his family on a cruise to Alaska.
There will be a small service for immediate family members at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
He was born April 16, 1938 in Galesburg, IL. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Keeon and Velma (Albright) Johnson, a brother, Robert Johnson, and the love of his life, Phyllis Braden.
Phyllis & Gary were married on March 16, 1957 in Sullivan, IL. Phyllis passed away in July of 2009.
Surviving are his three daughters: Cathryn Eghigian (Steve Hehr) of Florissant, MO, Tracy Wilmsmeyer of Troy, IL and Angela (Walid) Chamma of Smithton, IL; his niece: Jeneane Braden; his eight grandchildren: Courtney Eghigian (James O’Bryan), Lindsey (Jay) Johnston, Matthew (Amanda) Wilmsmeyer, Marc (Carrie) Wilmsmeyer, Miranda Wilmsmeyer, Hunter, Caden & Logan Chamma; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Johnson.
If you knew Gary, then you knew he loved his family fiercely & unconditionally. He was the one you could call at any time, day or night and he would be there. He would, literally, give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was one of a kind, a jewel of a man, and the world was a better place with him in it.
Everyone who knew Gary felt his big heart and giving nature. His bear hugs were legendary. He was a huge fan of all sports - especially the Chicago Cubs.
We take comfort in knowing that Gary is now at peace, reunited with his wife in Heaven.
Mr. Johnson retired from the United States Air Force in 1986 as Sr. Master Sergeant. After his military retirement, he was a butcher for Steak-Out in Belleville and Maryville. He loved to travel & see the world. He spent time living in Greenland and Germany. He recently traveled with his family on a cruise to Alaska.
There will be a small service for immediate family members at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.