Herrin- Kenneth Dean Johnson, age 66, of Herrin, passed away at 2:51 am on Monday, June 3, 2013 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon.
Kenneth was born in Herrin on January 20, 1947, the son of Elmer and Hilda (Hirsch) Johnson. He married Gaila L. (Rich) in Freeman Spur on June 27, 1969. Together, they have shared forty-three years of marriage. Gaila survives in Herrin.
Their marriage was blessed with three sons and their wives and eight grandchildren: Kenneth Daniel and Kathy Johnson of Johnston City (Alexander, Benjamin, Abigail); Jarrett Lee and Melissa Johnson of New Burnside (Jayden); and Matthew Dean and Angie Johnson of Creal Springs (Cody, Caleb, Callie, Caitlin).
Also surviving are his brother- Edward Wayne Johnson of Freeman Spur and many Christian friends throughout Southern Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kenny began working in high school for an area carpenter. After graduating from Herrin High School, he worked at Container Stapling in Herrin, followed by thirty-five years at Orpack (box plant) in Herrin. He also worked summers with his family in their mowing business for several years. However, his greatest calling was his ministry as a Pastor. Kenny answered the call to preach in 1970, was ordained, and served in the area Baptist churches for more than forty years of ministry until he was no longer physically able to preach. Pastorates included his home church of Freeman Chapel, Whiteash Freewill Baptist, Bethlehem Gospel Mission (near Lake of Egypt), Washington Avenue American Baptist in Johnston City, Lone Oak Baptist in Energy, Scottsboro Baptist in Marion, and most recently at New Horizons General Baptist Church in Marion. He was always willing to fill in wherever he was needed as a pastor, sometimes preaching at two churches in one morning.
In 2001, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. In 2006, the kidney cancer moved to his lung, and since then he has fought a valiant fight for his life. Special thanks to Dr. Oza and his entire staff at the Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care in Mt. Vernon, and to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon for their excellent care over the past twelve years.
During his illness, he used every opportunity to share his Christian witness and faith with medical personnel, other patients and their families. His greatest desire was to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he was able. His life verse had become Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and bring you hope and a future…” He suffered greatly from the cancer, but as he lay in the hospital bed in May, he shared with a pastor friend that he recognized that Jesus suffered even greater for us. For the past several months he told his family and friends on many occasions that he would really like to “preach one more sermon before he died.” He was unable to do that but his life stands as a sermon and a testimony for all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Pastor Todd Hawk, Pastor Keith McDannel, and Pastor Rick Strole officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com