J.D. Johnson

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- J.D. Johnson, 87, of Olive Branch died at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Marion, Ill.

He was born May 3, 1924, in East Prairie, Mo., the son of Hardy and Myrtle Hall Johnson. He married Pauline Bennett on Dec. 10, 1943. She preceded him in death Nov. 16, 2000.

He served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army. J.D. trained officer cadets marksmanship at West Point from Jan. 18, 1943, to March 12, 1946. He retired from Foster Imp in Olive Branch, serving 25 years. He enjoyed many friends and his dog Buddy, as well as riding his scooter. He was a charter member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Olive Branch, where he served as a deacon.

He is survived by his children, Debra Johnson of Olive Branch and Dan Johnson of Borrego Springs, Calif.; daughter-in-law Karen Johnson of Spring, Texas; two grandchildren, Kristian Johnson and Aimee Stinner; two great-grandchildren, Kyliegh and Jessie Pawlowski; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Anthony Wayne Johnson; three sisters, Mary Beaver, Tessie Williams and Ivon Pinkston; and four brothers, Marshall Johnson, Tom Johnson, Hardy Johnson Jr. and Luther Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Full military honors by local veterans and the National Guard will be on the funeral home veranda. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.