Evert Tilman Johnson was born in Thayer, Missouri, the son of James William Johnson and Effie Eatheal Brazeal Johnson on December 27, 1923 and departed this life on October 1, 2020 at Flowering Dogwood Greenhouse in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 96 years 9 months and 4 days.
He was united in marriage to Ruby Louise Edwards on January 21, 1946 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, who preceded him in death.
Evert is survived by three children, Bill Johnson and wife, Vickie, Joe Johnson and wife, Sue, and Denise Gum and husband, Pete; four grandchildren, Janine Gum, Derek Gum, Rebecca Simmons and Kimberly Wade; two great grandchildren, Rachel Wade and Ryan Wade and little Gum baby boy on the way; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Effie Johnson; his wife, Ruby Johnson; one brother, Dow Johnson; two sisters, Icie Reef and Velma Finney; one half-sister, Annie Bell; and one half-brother, Sted Johnson.
Evert was a Christian and a member of the United Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, and faithfully served his country during World War II. He was a cook and baker stationed on a Naval ship in Oakland, CA…
Evert worked as an engineer for the Frisco Railroad. He retired after 34 years from BNSF in 1983. He remained good friends and spent time with his “Frisco family” well after his retirement. While working for the railroad, he worked part-time maintaining roads and building bridges in Oregon County. After retiring from the railroad, he bought a farm and raised some cattle.
Evert liked to hunt, fish, yard work and especially liked to travel with Ruby in their RV, a passion he passed on to his children.
He will truly be missed by his family and all that knew him.
A private family graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with Larry Yarber officiating.
The body will lie in state on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be om Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
