Radford “Rad” Murray Johnson, Jr., 90, of Crossville, Illinois, passed away Monday, November 11, 2024, at Heart-to-Heart Hospice in Evansville, Indiana. He was born July 13, 1934, in Crossville, Illinois to the late Radford and Eunice (Siegert) Johnson.
Rad was a lifelong farmer, a proud member of the Crossville United Methodist Church, and a man who dedicated much of his life to both his community and his family. He was a steady presence in the community, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Rad had many interests that filled his life with joy. He had a deep love for animals, an enthusiasm for history, and an interest in coin-collecting. One of Rad’s greatest joys was the camaraderie he shared with his friends in his motorcycle group. Every Wednesday, without fail, he would gather with them for their weekly dinners.
Rad served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959, and his sense of duty extended far beyond his time in uniform. Alongside his beloved wife, Kellene, he shared a life full of adventure, traveling, and sightseeing. They were members of the Goldwing Roadrunners Association and frequently traveled on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Every winter, Rad and Kellene made their way to Texas, where they spent time camping.
Through it all, Rad’s love for farming remained his constant. It was the work that shaped him, the land he called home, and the life he built with Kellene. His roots in Crossville ran deep, and he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for the life he created.
He is survived by daughters Jeannie Johnson (Jeff Kincaid), Leisa Loehrlein (Bob); grandchildren Whitney Luecke (Russ), Radford “Ford” M. Johnson IV (Brooke Hammond), Morgan Pringle (Brandon), Sydney Simon (Cody Nelson), Evan Plock (Asher), and Max Johnson; great-grandchildren Andersen, Nora, Rowen, Lydia, Reed, Tucker, Genevieve, Mateo, and Oliver; as well as his cherished dog, Snicklefritz.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kellene; son, Radford Johnson III; brother, Ted Johnson; sisters, Laurabelle Taylor, Pauline Johnson, Betty Shinn, and Patricia Barnhart.
Rad’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him—his family, his friends, and the community he served so well. Though he is no longer with us, we will remember his spirit, his laughter, and the stories of a life well-lived.
Visitation is 5-7 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Crossville, Illinois. Funeral is 10 am, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Crossville United Methodist Church in Crossville, Illinois. A burial with military honors will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to Pets at Risk Carmi-White County or Crossville Methodist Church.
Cook Funeral Chapel in Crossville, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.
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