Billy Johnson

COBDEN, Ill. -- Billy Jean Johnson, 76, of Cobden died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, at his home.

He was born June 18, 1929, at Ware, Ill., son of Thomas Jefferson and Grace Meisenheimer Johnson. He and Claudia M. Dillow were married June 10, 1950, in Piggott, Ark.

Johnson was retired from Caterpillar Corp. in Joliet, Ill. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Ill., Masonic Lodge 520 AF&AM in Anna, Ill., and Machinist Local 851 in Joliet.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Billy Johnson Jr. of Briensburg, Ky., Ben Johnson of Cobden, Harry Johnson of Wilmington, Ill., James Johnson of Channahon, Ill.; two daughters, Janey Jones of Joliet, Rebecca Winchester of Casey, Ill.; a brother, Harry Johnson of Anna; a sister, Neda Jackson of Ware, Ill.; 18 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, a sister and stepmother.

Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna from 5 to 8 p.m. today, and Friday until the time of service.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Roy Hill officiating. Burial will be in Casper Cemetery near Anna, with military honors by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 of Anna.