Austin Kyle Johnson

He was born March 8, 1990 in Pekin to Keith A. and Robin K. (Heaver) Johnson.

Surviving are his mother, Robin (Gary) House of Bath; his father, Keith (Patricia) Johnson of Green Valley; one daughter, Zayleigh Grace Johnson of Canton; two brothers, Josh (Alicia) Johnson of Springfield and Tanner (Meagan Jennings) Johnson of Pekin; his fiancé, Shana Boyle of Canton; two step-brothers, Travis (Johnna) Kinney of Green Valley and Tylor (Chrishana) Kinney of Manito; one step-sister, Melissa (Larry) Meredith of Bethany and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold William and Gloria Heaver and his paternal grandparents, Lester and Eva Johnson.

Austin battled drug addiction and tried harder and more relentlessly to stay sober, even after serving time in prison. However, he relapsed and fought demons testing his mental well-being and ultimately losing his battle, taking his own life.

His family wants others to have empathy for people in their darkest times and speak of the realities of drug addiction and mental health, hoping others can learn from Austin.

In his youth, Austin enjoyed playing hockey and basketball. He had a love for camping, listening to music and talking with people, always able to light up a room with his wit.

Austin’s illness did not define him. He was a loving father that thought the world of his daughter, “Zay Bug”. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

His funeral will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Austin is surrounded by light, free from the struggles that haunted him. They would have given anything for him to experience that freedom in his lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given at any CEFCU location for an education account established for his daughter, Zayleigh or Alan’s House, 904 North 10th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554, a sober house for addiction.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com