Elmer Johnson

Elmer "Sonny" Johnson, 79, of Springfield, died at 4:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at St. John's Hospital Hospice. Sonny was born on July 28, 1928 in Pike County, MO, the son of Curtis and Neta Bailey Johnson. He married Mattie Brown on January 7, 1966 in Springfield. Sonny served his country in the Army Air Force before working for the Railsplitter's Lincoln Mercury and then State Police Merit Board; retiring in 1994. He was a member of The Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and attended Union Baptist Church. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed working on cars. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Mattie of Springfield; five daughters, Connie Brewer of Raleigh, NC, Cynthia (husband, Norman) Overton, Dee (husband, Raven) Pulliam, Neta Johnson Staggs and Elaine Johnson all of Springfield; seven sons, Al Little, Jr., Gerald Johnson, David Little of Champaign, Elmer Johnson and Melvin Johnson all of Springfield, Bobbie (wife, Gail) Johnson of Houston, TX, and Rickie Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Johnson and Clarine Douglas both of Springfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2008 at Union Baptist Church, 1405 E Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62703. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2008 with Pastor T. Ray McJunkins and Pastor Anthony L. Sanders, officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702.