John Leon Johnson, 78 of Hallsville, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia with burial to follow in Refuge Cemetery near Kirksville.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Leon was born on January 8, 1946, in Kirksville, the son of John Lafayette and Lois Maxine (Burton) Johnson.

On March 22, 1968, Leon married Virginia Coleene McClanahan, and she survives of the home.

Along with his wife, Coleene, Leon is survived by a son, Danny Johnson and wife Megan of Hallsville; grandchildren, Leon Johnson and wife Heather of Hallsville, Cody Johnson and wife Jennifer of Centralia, Michaella Kretzschmar and husband Drew of Hallsville, Dillon Johnson and wife Gabi of Columbia; bonus grandchildren; Jessica Kreckler, Lindell Peters, Ben Goodwin, Josh Magruder; great-grandchildren, Evan, Jameson, Emily, Macoy, Adlee, Lane, Oliver and Henry; siblings, Faye Youngblood of Unionville, Nadine Lumsden and husband Randy of Kirksville; many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, John Leon Johnson II, and George Allen Johnson; siblings, Judy Foss, Ben Johnson, and Caroline Johnson.

He Joined the Army National Guard in 1963 and served for 18 years.

Leon worked for McGraw-Edison in Kirksville until they closed, then worked for Wiese Planning and Engineering in Columbia, retiring in 2008.

Leon enjoyed riding horses, hunting deer and squirrel, tinkering with old cars, collecting antiques, and helping anyone who needed it.

Leon loved his family and cherished his time spent with them, he was a great Pappy to his family.