KEITH D. JOHNSON

Mr. Keith D. Johnson, 89, of the Illinois Veterans Home, formerly of Decatur, died at 9:40 a.m. Sunday (November 27, 2005) in the home.

Born July 15, 1916 in Neenah, Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson was the son of David C. and Mae M. Asmus Johnson. He married Grace Maxine Donaldson on March 15, 1937. She survives.

A 1934 graduate of Taylorville High School, Mr. Johnson served as Alderman for Ward 2 and as a precinct committeeman for several years while residing in Taylorville. He was employed at the Hopper Paper Mill in Taylorville and at the Remington & Rand Defense Plant in Illiopolis before entering the Navy.

He served in the U. S. Navy during WW II in the PT squad finishing on the amphibious squad. He received many citations and awards, including the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, the American Area Ribbon, and the Victory Medal Philippine Area with one Star. He was Honorably discharged as a 2nd Class Petty Officer upon completing his tour of duty.

Following his service to his country, Mr. Johnson was employed for various hospitals in Illinois for eight years. Prior to his retirement in 1965, he was the Director of Operations for the Waukegan Public Schools Community Unit District #60

Survivors include his wife, Grace; three daughters, Joyce Joan Wand and her husband William J. of Taylorville, IL., Mary Ann DeRose and her husband Ralph of Indianapolis, IN. and Kris Ann Seper and her husband Dennis of Lake Bluff, IL.; thirteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and one sister, Joyce L. Sauer and her husband, Rev.Robert Sauer of St. Charles, MO.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert D. Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 8:30 in the All Faiths Chapel at the Illinois Veterans Home by the Rev. Richard Jeske. Burial with Military Honors will be in Sunset Cemetery at the Illinois Veterans Home.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 in the All Faiths Chapel. The Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund.