John Johnson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[John R. Johnson, 61, of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:18 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at his residence.

John had been a heavy equipment operator in mine construction. He was a Baptist. John was a US Army Veteran of the Viet Nam War, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Du Quoin VFW Post 513 and was a member of the Du Quoin Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.

He was born March 23, 1946, at Marion, Ohio, the son of Luphfer and Ida Pearl (Haner) Johnson.

John married Theresa R. Skidmore on Nov. 15, 1969, at Tamaroa, and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin; three children, Terry Johnson of Du Quoin, Johnny Johnson of Du Quoin and Jefferey Johnson and wife Heather of Mulkeytown; two grandchildren, Taylor Johnson and Jefferey Lane Johnson; two brothers, Richard Johnson and wife Norma of Du Quoin and Kenny Johnson and wife Patty of Du Quoin and a sister, Nina Milam and husband Leroy of Redland, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Johnson and a sister, Diane Orosco.

Graveside military services were at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, at Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin with VFW Chaplin Jackie Davison officiating.

Those attending the services were asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park at DuQuoin.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin VFW, Du Quoin American Legion and Marion National Guard.

The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin was in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.