Geoffrey "Charles" Armstrong Johnson Jr.

Geoffrey “Charles” A. Johnson Jr., 90, of Rockford, Illinois, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, July 13, 2026. Charles was born to Geoffrey and Velma Johnson in Hayti, Missouri, on September 5, 1935. Very shortly after graduating from Marston High School in Missouri, he went to serve our great nation in the United States Army in 1953. On November 3, 1961, Charles married the love of his life, Elinor. He worked as a tool crib specialist with Sundstrand for 30 years before retirement, and was a proud member of the UAW local 592.

Charles was easy going, and never complained about anything. He was kind, patient, and one of the most honest men around. He loved tending his vegetable garden, and found interest in observing the growth of the local farmers' crops. He especially liked to take drives out in the country and see God’s creation first hand. Charles had great talent in woodworking, and especially enjoyed it while listening to folk music or bluegrass. He would also play along to the music with his harmonica, and it reminded him of his Missouri roots. Growing up, his parents had country stores, which became very nostalgic for Charles. He loved hunting for brass cash registers and restoring them to their natural beauty. This later led to opening a country store with his a friend with those same restored items. Above all else, Charles was a man of his faith. He loved the Lord, and was a loyal and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Pecatonica for over 20 years.

Charles is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Elinor; son, Greg (Jeanean) Johnson; grandson, Andrew (Ashlee) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Wade Johnson and Elinor Johnson; sisters, Alice Miller, Wanda Houchin, and Carolyn Johnson; many special nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy (Dan) Harriott; parents, Geoffrey and Velma; sister, Peggy Bartscher.