BILL JOHNSON

SIKESTON -- Leslie R. "Bill" Johnson, 91, of Sikeston died Friday, June 7, 1996, at his home.

He was born June 18, 1904, in Blodgett, son of Joseph Amos and Effie Masters Johnson. He and Rita Lorene Monroe were married in December 1925 at Charleston. She died Jan. 13, 1978. He and Reba Hargrave Whiteside were married March 12, 1979, in Poplar Bluff.

Johnson worked as a farmer and stock trader. He was a member of the Miner Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Bill G. Johnson of Bertrand and Jim "Chunk" Johnson of Sikeston; two daughters, Frances Shelby of Karmak, Ill., and Sondra Chapman of Sikeston; two stepsons, J.F. Whiteside of Cape Girardeau and Jackie Whiteside of Charleston; a brother, Jess Johnson of Rochelle, Ill.; a sister, Maude Latham of Sikeston; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday in the chapel, with the Revs. Dale Merrit and Grady Etheridge officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.