Manuel Johnson Sr.

BRIDGETON, Mo. -- Manuel Dale Johnson Sr., 67, of Bridgeton, passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, at DePaul Hospital from an aneurysm followed by a heart attack.

He was born March 4, 1940, the younger of twin boys to Lee Roy and Opal Johnson at the family farm near Advance, Mo. He married Carol Ann Bates.

Manuel and twin brother Daniel were members of Boy Scout Troop 456 in Pond, Mo., which is now Wildwood. Invaluable life-saving instructions were utilized in 1953 when Manuel, 13, and his sister, 9, were critically injured when struck by lightning. Daniel and their father administered artificial respiration, saving their lives.

Manuel was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Grover, Mo. He was a 1958 graduate of Ritenour High School in Overland. Manuel's self-taught interest in electrical circuits and mechanics enabled him to maintain, improve and design machinery at a metal plating facility, and later at metal recycling and reclaiming centers. His knowledge led him to a successful consulting service, traveling across the U.S. He designed and built a tram at his lake home.

He was an avid bass fisherman, patenting a fishing lure and inventing an inboard seat-ignition safety switch. Over the years he won or placed well in fishing tournaments and held offices in bass fishing clubs. He devoted much time and effort promoting and enhancing wildlife conservation.

Survivors include his parents, of Advance; his wife; twin brother Daniel (Mary Louise) Johnson of Maryland Heights, Mo.; a sister, LaVerne (David) Johnson-Sample of Patton, Mo.; and younger brother Elvis Johnson of St. Charles, Mo.; one daughter, Christine Weatherford of Wentzville, Mo.; sons Manuel Dale (Sue) Johnson Jr. of St. Ann, Mo., and Michael K. Johnson of Chesterfield, Mo.; eight grandchildren and one step-grandchild; four great-grandchildren; many family members, fishing and hunting friends.

Funeral service was held at Collier's Funeral Home at Bridgeton, Mo., on Dec. 11. Interment followed at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in St. Ann, Mo.

Obituary courtesy of Liley Funeral Home.