Gary Lee Johnson
Gary Johnson
Gary Lee Johnson, of Hazelwood, Missouri, passed away August 3, 2023. He was born December 25, 1936, in Webster City, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his father Leo Johnson, mother Frances Johnson (nee Nail), sister Adahnell Bender (nee Johnson), and his wife, Janice (nee Anderson). He is survived by sons William (Bill) Johnson (Martha Johnson), Eric Johnson (Sondra Schol), grandchildren Sam Johnson (Cara Johnson) and Hannah Sharp (Jacob Sharp), great-grand-daughters Cassidy and Parker, and beloved partner, Sydney Meyer.
Gary and Janice graduated from Webster City High School. Gary graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Iowa State University in 1958. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from Maryville University in St. Louis. Gary and Jan moved to St. Louis, where Gary worked for McDonnell Douglas his entire career. He loved traveling and camping with his family. He enjoyed flying small airplanes with his family, and he built and flew an experimental airplane in retirement. He was an accomplished woodworker using his engineering and artistic skills to create beautiful furniture, decorative wood pieces and jewelry. Gary was fond of observing birds, especially hummingbirds. He also volunteered with Wings of Hope helping to rebuild aircraft and to bring medical supplies to Ecuador.
Gary and Jan were founding members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Bridgeton, Missouri, where they both enjoyed singing in the choir. After Jan passed away in 1998, Gary continued to be active in the church. Gary and Sydney traveled far and wide including trips to Africa, Europe, and the Gal’pagos Islands.
No immediate services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s name to Wings of Hope, 18370 Wings of Hope Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63005, https://wingsofhope.ngo/.