Gene Johnson

Gene L. Johnson, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 3, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, to Elbert and Erma Hobbs Johnson. He and Opal Nelms were married March 7, 1948, in St. Louis.

Gene graduated from Central High School in 1943.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving his country proudly during World War II in the Asian Theater, where he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Gene retired from Teamsters Local 688 and was a farmer and real estate investor.

Survivors include his wife, Opal of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Phillip and wife Brenda Johnson, David and wife Sue Johnson, all of Tampa, Fla.; a brother, Jack Johnson of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Amy Nolte and husband Dave, Ellen Page, Emily Albritton and husband Steve, Greg Johnson and wife Claire; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the mausoleum, with the Rev. Luther Rhodes officiating. Entombment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.