Walter C. "Sonny" Johnson, 81, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 at his home under the care of Hospice.

Born August 20, 1935 in Reger, Missouri, Sonny was the son of the late Frank George and Nellie (Butler) Johnson. On April 25, 1971 in Green City, Missouri. Sonny was united in marriage to Joyce Kay Wood.

Sonny is survived by his wife Joyce of forty-five years; one daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Scott Johns of Springfield, MO; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Wilma Newman of Kirksville, MO, Verla Rhoads of Green City, MO, Shirley and Bob Ross of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Wanda and Basil Roof of Unionville, MO; two grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Martha Johnson of Kirksville; and several nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Waylon, Delbert, Elbert, Glen, and one in infancy, and one sister, Fern Love.

Sonny lived his entire life in Sullivan and Adair Counties and received his education in the Pennville school. He worked for the Chevrolet Garage downtown Kirksville, was employed at the Shoe and Glove Factory before going to work for Ron Reed and Irvinbilt Construction. He was also a longtime farmer.

Sonny enjoyed hunting arrow heads and rocks, going to auctions bringing many items home and sharing things with his friends. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing things he raised and making trips to his farm.

He was a member of the Kirksville Masonic Lodge #366 and Molia Shrine of St. Joseph. He was also a member of Labor Union 424 and local 954.

Masonic services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Funeral services will immediately follow the Masonic services, with Pastor Alan Coonfield officiating. Interment will follow the service at Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, MO.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 for one hour before the service.

Pallbearers will be Dennis McDonald, David Crabtree, Jeff Pierce, Lonnie Johnson, Glen Wayne Johnson and Colin Hazen. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Pierce, Donnie Crabtree, Paul Hazen, and Laddie Robinson.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Sonny Johnson may be made to the Green Castle Cemetery or to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.