Johnson

Clayton Palmer Johnson, 86, of Worden, Ill., peacefully passed away at 6:23 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at his residence in Worden. He was born July 9, 1937, in Chicago, the son of the late Clifford Donald and Ethel Corrine (Palmer) Johnson. He married Jessie May Gustafson on Aug. 29, 1959, at St. Stephen’s Church in Chicago, and the two shared a loving marriage for 64 years.

Friends and family remember Clay as a big man with an even bigger heart. A family man, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, who affectionately called him “The Great Watermelon,” “Mr. Wonderful,” or “Mr. Breadman.” He loved sports, whether playing football and baseball in his youth or cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs on TV. He was also an avid gardener, taking particular pride in his tomatoes and six-foot sunflowers.

Clay was employed as a routeman for Canteen Corporation in Chicago for many years. He was a member of Net Community Church of Staunton. His faith was of the utmost importance to him. He taught Sunday school, led Bible studies, and lent his beautiful tenor voice to multiple church choirs throughout his life as a child of Christ. A natural born teacher and problem solver, Clay never missed an opportunity to pass on a life lesson. But more importantly, he never missed an opportunity to laugh, cracking jokes with his loved ones even through his last days.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie May Johnson of Worden; three sons, Steve (Debbie) Johnson of Staunton, Clayton Johnson of Batavia, Kenneth Johnson of Ellsworth; one daughter, Beth (TJ) Helmerich of North Hollywood, Calif .; 10 grandchildren, Bram, Rory, James, Melissa, Zachary, Colin, Grace, Eric, Hannah, Maxwell; seven great-grandchildren, Margot, Molly, Matilda, Millie, Lucas, Mabel, Mina; one brother, Ken Johnson of Albuquerque, N.M .; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters-in-law, Debra Johnson and Jodi Borger-Johnson; one brother, Cliff; and two sisters, Karen and Connie.

Details on Clay’s memorial service will be provided at a later time.

Memorials are suggested to either Net Community Church of Staunton or to Wounded Warriors. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit our website at http://www.williamsonfh.com. Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements.