David Boyd Johnson

Born on April 30, 1938 in Lincoln, Illinois to Nelson Otto and Esther Louise (Melin) Johnson, he married Janet Adeline Beardsley on January 28, 1978 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa (Scott Martis) Kuhn of Mackinaw; one son, Greg (Erin) Fulk of Mahomet; five grandchildren, Natalie Fulk, of Chicago, Captain Virginia Fulk of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Riley (Maxine) Kuhn of Mackinaw, Gabriel (Hayley McDade) Fulk of Mahomet and Marleigh Kuhn of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one great-grandson, Jaxon Blaise-Kuhn and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Nelson "Gene" Johnson and one sister, Joyce Cole.

A graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, David earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He later received his Master’s Degree along with his superintendent’s certificate from ISU.

His commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship and his work in education shaped the course of his life and the lives of countless students and colleagues.

David spent his entire career in education with Limestone High School District 310 in Bartonville, where he began as a student teacher, taught business-related classes, served as the business manager, and culminated with the last three years of his career as superintendent. He retired in 1992 with 30 years of service. Passionate about education, he claimed to have Limestone Rocket blue blood through and through.

David impacted many people as a Freshman Basketball and Cross Country coach. He also led student canoe trips to the boundary waters of Canada and snow skiing trips to upper Michigan. He was a past recipient of Limestone’s Meritorious Service award and remained connected to Limestone through sports spectating and was honored earning the Tazewell County Retired Teacher of the Year in 2015.

A proud Swede, David carried on a cherished family tradition of spreading Johnson Cheer and cookies at Christmas, and was proud to have traveled to Sweden. He and Janet treasured their wide travels in their RV, and annual October trips to Panama City Beach, Florida with dear friends and family.

He was a great fan and source of encouragement to all, attending countless football, volleyball, softball, basketball, track, swimming, soccer, band and choir events of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond and followed the St. Louis Cardinals.

In retirement, David remained active and engaged. He was an avid golfer and worked as a starter at Parkview Golf Course in Pekin, and later as Manager at Sunset Hills Golf Club, where he was a member for many years.

David gave of himself to others whenever and however he could. He volunteered at the Miller Center in Pekin as a teacher in their computer lab. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was a longtime choir member and served in various leadership positions. He also was a past member of the Pekin Civic Chorus and sang in several of their productions.

His memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Dr. Curt D. Keller will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the church. Inurnment will follow the memorial service at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.alz.org

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com