Virgil H. Johnson

Virgil H. “Sonny” Johnson, 79, of Anderson passed away March 5, 2016 at Community Hospital.

He was born January 5, 1937 in Omaha Neb., to the late Virgil H. and Mildred (Delph) Johnson.

Sonny was the owner and operator of Johnson Crane Service and a proud Marine Corps veteran. After graduating high school, Sonny served 4 years in the Marine Corps, then joined his father in the family business of building concrete grain storage elevators across the Midwest. Later, he started his own business, Johnson Builders, which became Johnson’s Crane Service. Sonny worked in the family business with his son, Curtis and grandson, Ryan. When he wasn’t running a crane, Sonny enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and snow & water skiing.

Among the places Sonny lived were Mobile, Alabama; Salina Kansas and Denver, Colorado. He was a longtime member of the NRA, and loved his dog and best buddy, Blue.

Sonny is survived by his children, Curtis Johnson of Anderson and Donna Ogorek of Littleton Colo. and their mother, Dixie Lee Johnson; grandchildren, Ryan Johnson, Aubrey (Ross) Hershberger, Jared (Jennifer) Johnson; great granddaughters, Chesney and Marley Hershberger, and another great granddaughter to be born soon; brothers, Brad (Cheryl) Johnson, Gaylord Johnson, Sherman (Helen) Johnson, and Darwin (Sue) Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his brothers; Nathan Johnson, David Johnson,
Carl Polk; and a sister, Yvonne McKee.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service
& Crematory with Pastor Tyson Priest officiating, burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery with military honors provided by VFW Post 266.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the NRA or the Veterans of Madison County.