Edward Wayne Johnson, 78, of Freeman Spur, Illinois, went to be with the Lord at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Shawnee Senior Living of Herrin, Illinois.
Wayne was born on September 6, 1941 in Freeman Spur, a son of Elmer and Hilda (Hirsch) Johnson. He married Nancy Jo Grounds on May 25, 1961 in Fudgetown, Illinois and she preceded him in death on May 6, 2005 after 43 years of marriage.
Wayne worked as a die maker for Dura Containers Box Company where he designed the Spalding football and hand pump box. He retired after 22 years. He then worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 18 years working at the Shawnee Correctional Center and later at the DuQuoin Impact Incarceration Program. Wayne was a trustee for the Village of Freeman Spur for nearly 50 years and was a Republican precinct committeeman. He was a member of the Herrin’s Prairie Masonic Lodge #693, where he had served as a Past Master. He was a member of Freeman Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He was very active in the Shriners and Eastern Star. Wayne enjoyed traveling with his wife. Together they traveled to all fifty states as well as Canada and Mexico. He enjoyed motorcycles, horses and enjoyed many years of umpiring church league softball games.
Survivors include his daughter, Jeanie (Richard) Herring of Tuscola, Illinois; three sons, Jeff Johnson of Herrin, Justin (Amy) Johnson of Herrin and Josh (Wendi) Johnson of Crainville; grandchildren, Kailey (Brett) Brady, Brittany (Amanda) Miller, Ashley Newcomb, Jeffrey Reagan Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Joelle Johnson, Jalenn Johnson, Jason Johnson, Noah Johnson, Luke Johnson and Andrew Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Brynn Brady and Brock “BOB” Brady; sister-in-law, Gaila Johnson of Herrin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Helen Grounds; sister-in-law, Jan Phillips; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Todd and Elizabeth Grounds; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Jo; and brother, Kenneth Dean Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Don Colson officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Masonic Rites will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night at the funeral home.
Due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, social distancing is advised and the wearing of masks is encouraged.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 S. 13th Street, Herrin, Illinois 62948.