Danny Joe Johnson, 53, of Hallsville, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia.

Family and friends are invited to Danny’s Life Celebration at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial with full military honors will follow at Red Top Church Cemetery in Hallsville. Visitation will be held from 4:00–8:00 PM Friday, September 11, 2026, at the funeral home.

Danny was born October 24, 1972, in Kirksville, the son of John Leon and Virginia Coleene (McClanahan) Johnson. Danny married his high school sweetheart, Megan Senor, on July 23, 1994, and together they celebrated 32 years of marriage this year. Their love for one another was the foundation of their family and a defining part of Danny’s life. From high school sweethearts to husband and wife, they shared a deep and enduring love that remained strong throughout their 32 years together. Danny was devoted to Megan, and she was the love of his life.

Danny proudly dedicated much of his life to serving his country. He began his military career serving in the United States Marine Corps. Following his Marine Corps service, Danny continued his commitment to serving his country as a member of the Army National Guard, where he served until his retirement in 2023. He was proud of every chapter of his military service and the opportunity it gave him to serve his country and his fellow service members. Throughout his military career, Danny served with distinction, including overseas service in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and was recognized with numerous awards and decorations for his dedication and commitment. Among those honors were five Army Commendation Medals, the Army and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, six Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass and “M” Device, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with second award. For 17 years, Danny continued his life of service at the Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia. He loved his job and took great pride in serving and caring for his fellow veterans. His work at the VA allowed him to continue doing what he had always done—serving others. He understood the sacrifices made by veterans because he had made those sacrifices himself, and he found great purpose in caring for those who had worn the uniform. His commitment to veterans extended far beyond a job; it was a continuation of the service that had defined so much of his life.

Along with his wife, Megan, Danny is survived by his daughter, Michaella Kretzschmar and husband Drew of Centralia; his son, Dillon Johnson and wife Gabi of Hallsville; his grandchildren, Macoy Kretzschmar, Adlee Kretzschmar, and Elena Johnson; and his mother, Coleene Johnson. Danny was preceded in death by his father, John Leon Johnson; his two brothers, John Leon Johnson II and George Allen Johnson; and his father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Linda Senor. Danny was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, riding his side-by-side, and spending time outdoors. Some of his favorite memories were made taking his children and grandchildren into the woods and sharing his love of the outdoors with them. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his family, whether out riding, hunting, or simply being together. Above all else, Danny’s greatest love and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother who treasured the time he spent with the people he loved. His love for Megan, his children, and his grandchildren was evident in everything he did. His family was his greatest pride, and the love he gave them will remain with them forever. Danny’s life was one of service—to his country, to his fellow service members, to veterans, and most importantly, to the family he loved so deeply. He was proud to serve, proud to care for others, and proudest of all to be a husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on through all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.