Visitation will be on Friday, January 18th, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, MO. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am at the church on Saturday, January 19, 2019 with Rev. Fred Leist officiating with full military honors. Inurnment will be in Memorial Prayer Garden at The Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, MO at a later date.
Harold was born on February 28th, 1924 in Verona, MO the son of John Edwin Johnson and Docia Mae (Smith) Johnson who preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the US Marines serving during WWII. Harold was married in 1949 to Lonetta Gallion.
In 1952 he received a M.A. Degree in Cell Physiology and joined the Department of Dairy Science. As a graduate student, in 1956, he was awarded his PhD in Dairy Science and in 1965 he was awarded full professor. Major research teaching and extension responsibilities were in the field of diary management and production. Research related to environmental effects on growth, lactation and reproduction of diary cattle. He was published in journal articles, chapters, books, abstracts and numerous scientific publications. He had 95 graduate students in Dairy Science. He led numerous international symposiums in Washington DC, courses and lectures. He was also the recipient of many international awards and achievements.
He was an active member of the Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia Missouri for over 60 years and longtime member of Kiwanis.
Survivors include: his wife of 70 years, Lonetta Johnson. Three daughters, Deborah Goller and husband Don of Hedgesville, WV., (Three grandchildren: Summer, Alyssa and Jon and seven great-grandchildren) Tina Blanck and husband Mark of Kansas City, MO (Four grandchildren: Mark Jr., Jillian, Aaron and Jaclyn and great-grand daughter Marie); Leah Johnson and husband Jim of Columbia, MO (Two grandsons: Riley and Hayden); one son, Michael Johnson and wife Mariel of Tuscon, AZ.(One grand daughter Jennifer and two great- grandsons) His siblings include one brother, William Johnson and wife Joan of Valentine NE; one sister, Thelma Rockwell of Jonesboro, AR. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202 or Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, MO.
