B. Wayne Johnson, 86, died Friday, June 28, 2013.
He was born April 13, 1927, near Houston, son of C.C. “Lum” and Nellie E. Smallwood Johnson. He and Betty Sue Campbell were married Dec. 30, 1955, at the Licking Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Ruby Brannam, Goldie Williams and Von McCullough; and a brother, Paul Johnson.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty, of the home; four children, Rickey Wayne Johnson of St. Louis, Gail Sue Johnson Skalicky of Bolivar, Kevin Paul Johnson of Lebanon and Christy Ann Johnson of Ozark; and a host of other family members and friends.
He attended elementary school in Raymondville and graduated from Licking High School in 1945. He joined the Navy that year and served on the USS BonHomme Richard Aircraft Carrier in the South Pacific during World War II.
He graduated from Harding University in 1950 with a bachelor of arts degree. He obtained his master’s degree from Drury College in 1960 and his specialist degree from University of Missouri in 1962.
He served 35 years in education before retiring in 1984. He coached at Licking High School, Weaubleau High School and Salem High School. He served as principal at Skyline High School R-1 from 1957-’59 and was superintendent at Koshkonong, Fordland, Crocker, Richland, Cole Camp, Seymour and Sparta schools.
He also worked as an evangelist for the Church of Christ, serving many area churches during his life.
He enjoyed fellowshipping with others, hunting, fishing, bluegrass music and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Services were Wednesday, July 3, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield. Burial was in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 North Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, Mo., 65757.