He was born on June 29, 1944, in Marshall County, Kentucky, to Eugene and Lois (Watts) Short. They preceded him in death.
Also preceding Johnnie in death is his daughter, Jacqueline Merriman; and two sisters.
He is survived by his fiancé, Cindy Perlman; his daughters, Darcie Schultz of Bartonville, and Christina (Jason) Koenig of Trivoli; his grandchildren, Hannah, Rebekah, Noah, Makenzie, Abbigael, Chesney, Preslie, Kennedy, and Cash; eleven great-grandchildren and two on the way; three sisters, and two brothers.
Johnnie proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 – 1966. Johnnie was the first crew on the USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG US-23). He fondly shared stories of his time in the Navy including being involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and Tours in the Mediterranean which included his favorite stop the Port of Cannes.
Johnnie was a 56 year member of Iron Workers Local 112. He served as the Business Manager / Financial Secretary-Treasurer from 1987 – 2008. As part of his tenure as Business Manager he was a member on Iron Workers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity, on the Board of trustees for the Iron Workers Tri-State Welfare Fund, on the Board of Trustees for the Iron Workers Mid-America Pension Plan and represented Local 112 at the International Conventions. Johnnie was a fierce advocate for the Ironworkers and fought hard to uphold the wages and benefits for all the members of Local 112.
Throughout the years Johnnie enjoyed fishing, waterfowl hunting, horseback riding and golfing, especially the courses in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 5pm - 7pm. A graveside service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10am.
Memorials can be made to Hair & Hope, a foundation that supports women fighting cancer, at www.HairandHope.org
Words of comfort can be shared with the Short family at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com
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