Lavern Johnson

MORRIS—Lavern Johnson “Rocky,”77, of Morris and formerly of Elwood and Anna-Jonesboro, passed away Tuesday evening Nov. 14, 2017 at Morris Hospital, surrounded by family.
Born April 27, 1940 in Union County, Illinois, Lavern Leon was a son of Earl Edward and Blanche Agnes (Freeman) Johnson. He was raised in Union County and graduated from Shawnee High School with the Class of 1958. Lavern went on to honorably serve in the United States Air Force. On May 13, 1967 married Patricia Bailey in Washington, Kentucky. Lavern was elevated to a Master Mason on November 22, 1968, and remained a member of the Matteson Lodge #175 A.F. & A.M. in Joliet for the past 48 years. He belonged to First Presbyterian Church in Morris, and was a regular of the Morris McDonalds coffee club.
Rocky retired from Dresden Nuclear Station after 22 years, where he was a Maintenance Foreman. Following his retirement he gained employment with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, where he has worked for the past 19 years, currently as a Process Server.
Rocky was a great sports enthusiast, who avidly followed Illinois Basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed tending to his lawn; watching Westerns and World War II movies, and traveling to all four corners of the United States. He took great pleasure in attending his grandchildren’s activities, and will be remembered for not only collecting coins, but sharing coins.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Patricia; daughter Karen (James) Hinds of Shorewood and son Mark (Lori) Johnson; five grandchildren: Brett, Noah and Emma Hinds and Alexis and Colby Johnson; one brother John (Judi) Johnson of Hollister, CA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ervina Johnson of Jonesboro, IL, LouAnn Johnson of Fresno, CA, Betty (James) Collins of East Bernstadt, KY, Richard (Eileen) Bailey of Irvine, KY and Charles (Bonnie) Bailey of Mt. Sterling, KY, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rocky was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law: Mary Ada (Dale) Bailey, and two brothers: Donald Johnson and Howard Johnson.
Per Rocky’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Jackson Street in Morris on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
A memorial service will follow Monday morning, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the church with Reverend Dr. Roy Backus officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Rocky’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris.