Duane Arnold Johnson, 86, of Upatoi, Ga passed away on November 10th, 2024 surrounded by his wife and son and a wonderful caregiving team. A visitation for the family and friends of Duane will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at Edgewood Baptist, 3564 Forrest Rd, Columbus, Georgia, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
Duane was born April 20th, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Everette Johnson and Ruth Vivian (Dean) Johnson. Duane graduated from Sexton High School in 1956, then went on to Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology.
Duane joined the US Army in 1962, and served until honorably discharged in 1964.
Duane married Marguerite [McConnell] Johnson on April 13th, 1966 Waverley Hall, GA with Earl A Thames Jr. officiating. They have lived a life of love and devotion to one another to the present day.
Duane worked for a short stint as a wildlife biologist in Alaska and eventually became the supervisor of Insect and Vector Control for the Columbus Health Department. He retired July 2002.
Duane especially loved the outdoors, gardening, and beekeeping. He was a founding member of the Chattahoochee Beekeepers Association.
Duane was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church. Over the years, he has participated as a deacon.
Duane was a dedicated father, grandfather and husband. He was also a devoted Christian and loved God above all else.
Remaining to cherish Duane’s memory are; his wife, Marguerite Johnson, children; S. Scott Johnson, daughter-in-law; Laura S Johnson, grandchildren; Caleb Johnson, Stephanie Smith; sister-in-law; Carol Purvis, brother-in-law; Ron Purvis, nieces; Annette Bruce, Angela Mueller, Lynn Sylvis, and a nephew; Bruce McConnell.
Preceding Duane in death are children, Stanley Arnold Johnson, parents; Everette Johnson, Ruth Vivian Johnson, sisters; Delores Cloar; a niece Roxy Gaedert; nephews, Harold McConnell, Greg Purvis; brother-in-law, Bobby McConnell; and a sister-in-law, Mildred Aenchbacher.
