Kevin P. Johnson

Born March 6, 1927 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Lloyd Vernon and Mary Agnes (Hayes) Johnson, he married Thelma L. Buchanan on May 28, 1955 in Washburn. She died February 1, 2017 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerald Johnson and Patrick Johnson and one sister, Norma Henderson.

Surviving are five children, Terrence Johnson of Guffey, Colorado, Charles (Donna) Johnson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Patricia Schmillen of East Peoria, Mary (Steve) LeGrand of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and David (Kathy) Johnson of Springfield; nine grandchildren, James (Tami) Johnson, Ashley (Kevin) McCarthy, Rachel (Keith Goodman) Schmillen, Rose (Kevan Lee Lum) Schmillen, Sara (Alex) Pillischafske, Brianna (Sean) Powers, Adam LeGrand, Chleo (Jacob) Hoelzeman and Karra Johnson and seven great-grandchildren.

A World War II Navy veteran, he was trained as a submarine sonar specialist and stationed at Pearl Harbor. Kevin was patriotic throughout his life. It was always important to him to have an American flag on display and lit at night. He was grateful to have traveled with the Greater Peoria Honor Flight in 2014 and was a life member of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin.

He graduated in 1944 from Miller (South Dakota) High School and graduated in 1953 from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

Kevin worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 32 years as an accountant, retiring in 1984. In retirement, he was a prolific reader and averaged reading 3 nonfiction books a week along with religiously working puzzles in the newspaper every day.

He had a passion for aviation and was a pilot and flight instructor for 35 years. He also led an Aviation Explorer Post in Pekin which encouraged a younger generation to take up flying. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Kevin also was a longtime hunter safety instructor and a member of the National Rifle Association and the Tremont Sportsman’s Club.

Kevin was a lifelong blood donor beginning with his Naval service and was recognized with having donated over 115 gallons. He was also a faithful volunteer escort at Pekin Hospital for 30 years with over 8,000 hours of service.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and faithfully prayed the Rosary every evening.

His memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Father Zach Samples will offer the committal prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carle Health Center for Philanthropy benefiting Pekin Hospital, 611 West Park Street, Urbana, IL 61801or to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the Building Fund, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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