Frederick W. “Bill” Johnson

Frederick William "Bill" Johnson, 83, passed away July 8, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. He fought a five-year battle with cancer, throughout which he never quit helping his family, friends and church whenever asked.

Bill was born in Festus, MO, on October 9, 1936, to Elmo and Tileta Johnson. He grew up in Festus, graduated from Festus High School, and moved to the Kansas City area in 1955 to attend William Jewell College. Bill served in the U. S. Army from 1959 to 1961 and completed Reserve duty in 1965. He was united in marriage to Karen Bowers-Phillippie in 1975.

Bill's career with the Clay County Sheriff's Department spanned 36 years. Bill was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church over 45 years. He sang in the choir for 20 years as well as singing at revivals, weddings and funerals. Bill enjoyed traveling the United States by driving, not flying, and was a dedicated member of the PVBC Disaster Relief group, now Clay Platte Disaster Relief. Bill was also "Buck" in the PVBC Clown Ministry. In his younger days, he loved roller skating and working the floors at Winnwood to keep the kids safe.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roy and Howard; and daughter, Tracy. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 45 years, Karen; daughter, Shelly; grandchildren, Melanie (Steve), Michael and Celina; great granddaughter, Charlie Kay; sons-in-law, Doug Reinsch and Bruce Boyd; nephew, Lee Johnson; nieces, Tileta Burkhead (Howell), Robin Grossman (Ed) and Sue Ann Zessinger (Dan); as well as many great nieces and nephews, other family members and countless friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, followed by a celebration of Bill's life, including honors by the Clay County Sheriff's Department and the US Army, beginning at 12 noon, on Saturday, July 11, in the Worship Center at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Masks are required in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Clay Platte Disaster Relief, 11701 Plattsburg Road, Kearney, MO 64048.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, followed by a celebration of Bill’s life, including honors by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the US Army, beginning at 12 noon, on Saturday, July 11, in the Worship Center at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Masks are required in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Clay Platte Disaster Relief, 11701 Plattsburg Road, Kearney, MO 64048.