Willard Franklin Johnson

Frank was a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and loved helping his neighbors whenever they needed assistance. His passion for life was his family.

Frank was preceded in death by his son, David J. Johnson; parents, Willard D. Johnson and Gertrude B., nee Bonee, Johnson Kaemmerer and a brother, James Johnson.

Surviving are his loving wife Kathleen D., nee David, Johnson; Children, Dennis M. (Karen) Johnson of Edwardsville, Illinois, Debbie A. (Sam) Sanchez of Belleville, Illinois, Denise M. (Joe) Crider of Stella, North Carolina and a stepdaughter Danielle C. (Dante) DeVan-Beattie of Belleville, Illinois, grand children, Nick, Bradley, Brandon, Blake and Arianna Johnson, Chelsey Anderson, Megan, Katelin, Abagail and Aaron Crider, Haley and Carolanne Beattie; great grandsons, Hayden, Lucas and Noah; Sister in Law, Darline Johnson. Frank is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews along with other relatives, family, and friends. Also included in his family is his beloved dog, Sophie.

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree. The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea. The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night. The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight. Then God combined these qualities, There was nothing more to add. His masterpiece was now complete, He lovingly called it, Dad.

Memorials in Frank’s Honor may be made to the Spencer Animal Shelter, 1405 East Highway 50, O'Fallon, Illinois, 62269. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:00 Am at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home.