Artie R. Johnson

Artie R. Johnson, 96, of Waterloo, Iowa, formerly of Lexington passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at UPH Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Artie was born on December 2, 1924 in Vernon, Alabama to Artie and Emma Johnson.

He enjoyed learning and continued his thirst for knowledge throughout his life as evidenced by his completion of studies in technology, electricity and general education. He also enjoyed politically motivated conversations as he took great pleasure in explaining the ways of the world as he saw it. His sharp wit and great sense of humor were gifts he used to make others laugh.

In 1950 he was employed as a grain elevator operator for O’Connor, Burns & Skinner in Lexington. From this came a treasured kinship with Dennis O’Connor, Jr. that lasted a lifetime. He farmed with his father and brothers in Lexington, worked as a chauffeur in Kansas City, Missouri and he was a truck driver in Denver, Colorado. He retired from the USPS in the 90’s where he worked for several years as a supervisor/trainer in Denver, Colorado.

In 1950 he was drafted for service in the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. He earned the Korean Service Medal w/5 bronze Stars-2 overseas bars, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following the death of his younger brother in Commerce City, Colorado, Artie moved back to Lexington to live out his life on Road 755. He did so successfully until April 2020 when his health deteriorated, and he was unable to live independently.

He was moved to Iowa in June 2020 to live with family and he passed away on December 24, 2020 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa in a peaceful, supportive and loving environment.

May He Rest in Peace.                                                                                                                          

Although Artie did not marry, he is survived and loved by nieces and nephews, Edrick Roberts, Etheleen Wright, Judy Graham, Orlando (Michele) Johnson and Emma Byrd, Waterloo, Iowa; Jayne Estell, Omaha, Nebraska; Henry (Minnie) Washington, Jr., Grand Island, Nebraska; Jackie (John) Thomas, Atlanta, Georgia; Chantrice (Bryan) McGhee, Columbus, Nebraska; Daphne Johnson, Des Moines, Iowa; Lisa Hutchins, Phoenix, Arizona. Plus, numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Artie Johnson and Emma (Walker) Johnson of Lexington, Nebraska and six siblings, Roland Johnson, Commerce City, Colorado; Luther Johnson, Ethel Williams, Effie Coley, Waterloo, Iowa; Ramona Johnson, Los Angeles, California; and Flora LaJoy Washington, Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the fourth of seven children.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Reverend Anne Gahn, officiating. The service will be live-streamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.

Face covering will be required.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Interment with Military Honors will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com