Bill Johnson, (1932 - 2012) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

He made a difference.

79 years old
Born on May 23, 1932 in Independence, Kansas, United States
Passed away on March 11, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States

     This memorial website was created in the memory of our Dad, Bill Johnson, who passed away on March 11, 2012 at the age of 79. We will remember him forever because "he made a difference".   William Leecurtis Johnson (Bill) was born on May 23, 1932 to Nina Leola Torrance Johnson and Myrl William Johnson of Independence, Kansas. Bill passed away at the home of his son Chris Johnson and Heidi Foglesong in Phoenix Arizona surrounded by love.

     Bill is survived by his son Chris Johnson and Heidi Foglesong of Phoenix Arizona and two grandsons William David Ryan-Johnson and Giovanni Beganno both of Phoenix. Bill is also survived by his daughter Sally and husband Tom Stewart of Kimberling City, Missouri. His grandson Travis Stewart of Kimberling City, granddaughter Jennifer Doliber of Reeds Spring, Missouri and granddaughter Katelyn Stewart  of Branson, Missouri. Bill has one great granddaughter Shelby (Termite) Doliber who is 2 years old. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Lawrence of Chouteau, Oklahoma and Margaret Wood of Wichita, Kansas.

      Bill was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother Bob Johnson.

      Bill was a Korean War Veteran and he served his country proudly. He was an elementary school teacher in both Kansas and Missouri for over 35 years.. He spent the last several years of his retirement helping others once again. He loved doing mission work with the Methodist VIM Team. He made many friends along the way and traveled all over the United States helping others.   He enjoyed fishing and made his home the last few years in Haviland Kansas where once again he had many friends and "made a difference"........

     We love you Dad and we will miss you,

     Sally & Chris


    We wanted to let everyone know there will be a Memorial Service for Dad in Haviland, Kansas on Saturday, March 31st at the Methodist Church 322 N Main Street at 11:00 a.m.     There will also be a dinner at the Church at noon..

     In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill Johnson for a scholarship fund to the
Reeds Spring School Foundation
Attn: Mr. Holt
20277 State Highway 413
Reeds Spring, MO 65737

     We have so appreciated and treasured all the tributes that have been left for Dad. Thank you all so much.

Tributes

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May 23, 2023

Think of you often dear, still. I'm so thankful for the time we had together, and your advice to me.....to not let circumstances make me a bitter person....which I have followed. Happy knowing where you are, though my shallow human mind can barely imagine what it must be like! See you later!

May 23, 2021

Happy Birthday Dad! I’d give anything to sit down with a cup of coffee Just one more time with you. I’ve got so much I’d love to talk to you about. I miss you so much.
Love, Sally

March 11, 2021

Bill you were so much fun to be around we had so many good times working on our VIM teams . Don’t know how many coffee cups that you lost track of.we made so many good friends while doing the mission work .we speak of you often.

May 24, 2019

On this day 8 years ago, you were sitting in your recliner reading (and re-reading) the stack of birthday cards and letters your received from your friends and loved ones for your 79th birthday. You were tickled pink to have so much mail in your postbox in Haviland, and couldn't figure out why.....you never got ANY mail, you said! It's one of many great memories I carry of you! Loves, dear.

January 31, 2019

I really miss you Dad! I love you bunches! Sally

June 22, 2018

Well Bill, the old cancer bug got me. Even though we said we wouldn't fight it, I am. Doing good with chemo treatments and looks like God going to give me more to do. VIM trips not the same without you. Put it bluntly, we did a hell a lot of good work together. I won't be part of a team till 2019 but will carry on for us. Hey can you see my beard? Looks a lot like yours. Just keep waiting for us and know we're trying our best to follow you to heaven.

May 23, 2017

I just watched the video of you having coffee with the boys at Haviland...it feels like I could just reach out and touch you! You were having such a good time. I love to see you laughing and joking! It brings me comfort to know someday I will see you laughing again, and hear your jokes again, and we'll be praising God together. See you later, Dear!

March 11, 2017

Dad,
Once again another year has passed. I just can't believe you've been gone for 5 years. I sure do miss you! I love you Dad! Sally

March 11, 2017

Hey old buddy been long 5 without you. We keep plugging along and catching a few fish along the way. Keep watching over us, this old world needs all the help it can get. See you down the road. Loren

April 6, 2016

Dad.
It's hard to believe it's been four years. I miss you everyday. We finally did it, we made the trip to Havasupai Falls just like you asked us too. There were eleven of us, Chris and Heidi and Will, Katie and I. Margaret and Mike, Mark and David, and Darwin and Colleen. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I hope someday to return. I understand why you picked that spot, the beauty and overwhelming sense of tranquility was amazing. The adventures we all had as a family to get there and return brought us all together in a very special way. We grew closer as a family, learned alot about each other and had a wonderful time full of lots of laughter, tears and love. Those memories will last forever. As i rode past the falls and said good-bye I felt an overwhelming sense of peace that Chris and I had fulfilled your wishes. I love you! Sally

April 15, 2015

Dad,
Another year has passed. Chris and I have had some really good visits lately and we both miss you very much! I just wanted to say We Love You, Sally

April 10, 2015

Still miss you, Dear. Time does ease my sadness, but I will never forget you and I thank God that someday we will see each other again! Love to you...

September 4, 2014

Bill, we still think of you often. We are going to Branson later this month & know you went to your daughter's in that area so thought of you. It was such a joy getting to know you & have you spend 3 weeks with us when our VIM team built on to our church

September 3, 2014

I miss you Dad. It's just one of those days. I wish we could have a cup of coffee at 508 S. 16th. I listened to The old Rugged Cross this morning and I could feel Grandma Nina sitting in the pew next to me and hear her singing when I close my eyes. Just wanted to say I love you. Sally

May 24, 2014

Bill, We think of you often. We have many great memories of you and consider ourselves lucky to have known you. Love Jim & Brenda

May 23, 2014

Dear Brother, remembering you on your birth date. Was going thru some various photos this past week and there were several of you which Chris&Sally might like to have. Miss you.

May 23, 2014

Happy Birthday Bill! My memories of you are from my younger years when I would spend the night at your home with Sally. I can see you so clearly now in your overalls covered in paint with a grin on your face. You never said much but I knew I was always welcome in your home. My thoughts & prayers continue to go out to your family who I know miss you very much. Love & miss you, Melodie

May 23, 2014

Happy Birthday Dad !! I have missed you so much. There are so many times I wish you were here. Last night we were at Termite's (Shelby) school musical and you would have been so proud to see that little one singing on that big stage. Your Great Grandson Logan would also put a big smile on your face. Jenny and Jeff have done a great job of being parents. You'd be proud! Katie just graduated with her bachelors degree in business. I know you were there to see her walk across that stage and are very proud of her. Travis and Tiffany both work very hard and are building a solid foundation to start their family soon. Will and G are doing great. They are officially teenagers now. I don't know where the time goes. It just goes faster and faster the older I get. Chris and Heidi are amazing together. You were right! He seems very happy and I'm very happy for him! Katie is visiting them this week and I'm sure he is thinking of you today. If it weren't for you we wouldn't all be here and have this wonderful life we live. Tom and I are fine. I know you would love our little piece of the world in the woods and laugh at all the chickens and critters. I love you Dad..... Sally

May 23, 2014

Our dear friend Bill, We think of you often and do miss your smiling face . You celebrated your birthday here in our little town of Cassoday when you were helping here on our VIM team and staying at our home.
Love you friend. Calvin & Marlene

April 11, 2014

Seems like only a few days ago when we sat and talked to you that last night in Phoenix. Ole Don and I thought of you this year in South Texas fishing at Port Mansfield. It felt like you were there. Rest on old friend.
We will never forget you.

April 10, 2014

Hi Grandpa,

I'm addressing my college graduation announcements right now, and I couldn't help but feel like I was leaving someone out.
I know how important a strong education was to you... So I hope I made you proud. This is the only way I knew to send your invitation.
I know you'll be there.

Love,
Katie

March 14, 2014

Hi there Bill, can't believe you've been gone 2 years as I'm sure Sally feels. You are truly missed. Seeing your picture with that wonderful smile on your face, it's so warm & inviting, it brings a tear to one's eye & yet also makes a person smile, like me! No wonder you have so many friends… I love you, keep a good watch over Sally & Chris! Mel

March 11, 2014

Dear Brother, thought of you bunches today as it's warm-good fishing weather, except for the wind. We would have had a good time anyway. Still look for you& the pickup to pull in the drive. Miss you.

March 11, 2014

Still missing you, my friend. Wishing you would knock on my door and come in for coffee and a visit.

March 11, 2014

Dad,
I can't believe it's been 2 years. I think about you everyday and I miss you very much. I love you!
Sally

March 11, 2014

Bill, We still miss you such fond memories working with you on our VIM teams you were always such fun to work with.
Love you lots.
Calvin & Marlene

May 24, 2013

From Calvin & Marlene Hinde Bill, We still think of you often and miss you hunting your coffee cup! And Bill I think I gave you a pair of gloves several times as I thought it would help you from getting hurt or your hands hurt when we were on VIM trips and seemed you never knew where you laid them down at. HA Just had to give you a little laugh about that. We truly love you and miss

May 23, 2013

Hey Bill, hope you have a wonderful birthday! There's a lot of us thinking about you & missing you. Much love, Mel

March 13, 2013

Time goes by so quickly Bill, but the missing & loving of our departed is stronger than ever, I love you. Once more I give you thanks for having such a wonderful daughter, & giving me the best friend ever!

March 12, 2013

Dear brother, so sorry that I didn't get to leave this tribute to you on the 11th, but Don&I were up literally day and night while one of our does was having her babies. A difficult delivery for her,she had three little ones and we lost one in the evening. I know if you had been here, you would have helped in any way you could. Miss you, still look for you pulling in the driveway. Mary

March 11, 2013

I keep waiting for the doorbell to ring multiple times and still find it hard to realize that you won't be standing there to spend some time, have some donuts and coffee, do some laundry and catch me up on your adventures. Truly missing my brother. Margaret

March 11, 2013

Dad.
I have so many things I want to tell you about but suddenly the only thing I can think of is how much I miss you. I can't believe it's been a year. I too look outside and expect to see you returning from a mission trip or a fishing trip, You made a difference. I love you, Sally

March 11, 2013

Bill,
We still miss you and you hold a very dear memory in our hearts, we love you you were a great guy you will live on in our thoughts forever.
Calvin & Marlene Hinde

November 13, 2012

Bill and I attended Pittsburg State University at the same time. We were both education majors and I do remember him. He and I looked much different in the PSU yearbook and both enjoyed great careers in education. How good that my neighbor Loren Pontius shared his memories about Bill with me.

June 28, 2012

I wish I could have said goodbye. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write something, but I just couldn't seem to find the words. You were an amazing man, and influenced so many lives. You did so much good in this world, and I hope that I can make half the impact that you did. I know you're in a better place now, and looking over us. I hope you know how much you're missed. Rest in peace

May 26, 2012

To the family of Bill ,
We want you to know your Dad was such a dear friend we all loved him and miss him so much, he was a great guy. He spent 3 weeks at our home when he helped build the addition on our little church in Cassoday. He was such a joy to be with.
Calvin 7 Marlene Hinde

May 26, 2012

Bill,
You were such a great guy and a very good friend, we will always hold you dear to our hearts and remember the 3 weeks that you stayed at our home while working on our little Cassoday church. It was such a joy to be around you and having you work on our VIM teams. We miss you
Calvin & Marlene Hinde

May 23, 2012

Dad,
Today is your 80th Birthday. I just wanted to say how proud I am of you for all the wonderful things you have done to help so many people. You truly made a difference in so many lives. I DO miss you so much!! I love you!! Sally

May 23, 2012

Bill, The VIM team is REALLY missing those precious moments we had with you over the past several years. We love you, dearly, and miss you terribly. You would be enjoying this team at Prairie View Church Camp this week. GOD BLESS YOU for all you did with us AND for us.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

April 4, 2012

Bill and I taught fourth grade together for ten years at Reeds Spring Elementary School. Bill was an excellent, caring teacher. Because Bill was a man teacher, he often was assigned "challenging" students with whom to work. It didn't matter to Bill what the students' background or learning ability was, he took each one challenging them to achieve to their highest ability. Thanks, Bill,

March 21, 2012

Grandpa,
I've learned a lot from you over the years. From how NOT to floss to how to live a life helping others before your self. I hope that you know how many people's lives you have touched for the better. I wish you would have gotten to see Shelby grow up but I know you will watch over her from above. You are missed, Jenny & Termite.

March 21, 2012

Bill was a dear man to work with, so gentle and caring. I was Jennifer's first grade teacher while Bill was teaching fourth grade with my daughter,Pam Kutz. She also enjoyed working with him. Sounds llike he continued to make a difference after retirement. Our sympathies!

March 20, 2012

Cecilia and I loved Bill. We had so many fun times with him while a 4th grade teacher and even after he retired. I (Happy) had many "one-on-one" times of discussion and thoughtful reflections. He didn't "pull any punches" which were often filled with satire and humor. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for all of you.

March 20, 2012

We taught with Bill at Reeds Spring Public Schools, Reeds Spring, MO. He was a fine man, role model, & excellent teacher. He had heart. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him.

March 19, 2012

Mr. Johnson was my 4th grade teacher, and friend. I was so behind when my family moved to Missouri, and struggled with reading and math. Mr. Johnson was patient with me, and he taught me so much. My first memories in Missouri include him.
I will miss you, Mr. Johnson! Love~ Natalie (Trent) Bruce

March 19, 2012

We finished a VIM project last week. Now we know what it is like to work without Bill. We didn't like it! He always greeted me with "Good Morning, Sarge." I responded with "Good Morning, Gunner." We shared Korean War, fishing, work, and llfe experiences. He was a most generous person!

March 19, 2012

Grandpa,
Hard Working, Unselfish, and Intelligent. Those are just the first three that come to mind. Hard to believe you are gone! I hope that in my lifetime. I can make half the impact that you made on so many peoples lifes! You will be missed forever! Your Grandson Travis

March 16, 2012

My father Fred was Bill's Uncle and they were 2 years apart in age. Dad loved Bill and always enjoyed their time together. I know that there will be some great fishing and wonderful stories being told in heaven. Bill was such a gentle soul and he is another angel in heaven. Thoughts and prayers to Sally, Chris, Mary and Margaret and families.

March 16, 2012

Dear Brother, you were a real servant with your hands and your heart-always helping and doing things for others. One life can change the world and you did that all over the United States. I will miss your laugh, making us all laugh with the different stories. Most of all, I will miss the fishing expeditions. They won't be be the same anymore. Rest in Peace, your sis Mary

March 16, 2012

Feb 11 San Marcos, my first VIM with Bill started a change in my life. Bill and I spent approx 3 months together during the next 12 months. We worked hard, prayed, fished, traveled and talked. He improved my life and showed me that we are blessed and must share with others less blessed with material things. He truly made a difference to all.

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Recent Tributes

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2021

Happy Birthday Dad! I’d give anything to sit down with a cup of coffee Just one more time with you. I’ve got so much I’d love to talk to you about. I miss you so much.
Love, Sally

March 11, 2021

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Gallery

For Bill

March 24, 2012

Bill came to our town of Haviland while helping with the city of Greensburg after
their terrible tornado of May, 2007. His quiet manner, his witty tongue, and his
side-wise grin soon won us over. His good deeds are too numerous to place on
this page but he never collected a dime. We say farewell to this man of faith
for the short time he came to town made an impression that will last forever.
Vera L. Cutright

My song about Patty Schweitzer

March 20, 2012

I don't know if Bill every heard my song about Patty Schweitzer...he would have loved it...even Patty liked the puns about her. Enjoyed times sitting with him on the playground and hearing "excuse my language...coming from a heathen." Looking forward to seeing him again in the afterlife and picking up where we left off.
http://youtu.be/ErFP-31LmBY

http://youtu.be/azxdNKRP2ZE

There are some songs from Bill's 4th grade class, as well as from Marcia, Patty, and Mary Soper's on www.reverbnation.com/rchappyhopper where there are 200 audio recordings. I wish I would have had Patty's song to post.

Love you all,
RC Happy Hopper

Bill at Coffee Shop in Greensburg, KS

March 15, 2012

Bill at Coffee Shop in Greensburg, KS from manatee on Vimeo.

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