Robert Lee Johnson Sr., son of the late Adrian and Theresa Proffer Stevens Johnson, was born on Feb. 26, 1929, in Galveston, Texas. He lost his battle with cancer on April 20, 2013, at the age of 84.
He was united in marriage to Vivian Perry Putnam on May 5, 2006. Mrs. Johnson survives of their residence.
On Feb. 25, 1950, he was united in marriage to Patricia Louise Owens. She preceded him in death on Aug, 26, 2005, after 55 years of marriage.
At the time of his death, Bob served on the Bernie Housing Board. He had served as a Bernie alderman, and taught auto body class at Bernie High School in 1969. He was a self-employed businessman, and served as Bernie Fire Chief from 1972-1979.
He was a member of the Bernie CB Club and was known as Blue Streak. He was a member of the Corner Gospel Fellowship Church and was a veteran of the United States Navy.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert Lee Johnson Jr. and wife Regina of Bernie; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca Joann Edmonds and husband Allen of Bernie and Brenda J. Buchanan and husband Rick of Dexter; two sisters, Ruth Hill of Springfield, Mo., and Delores Wetzel of St. Charles, Mo.; two stepsons, Gary Putnam and Larry Putnam of Dexter; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and by numerous other family members and friends.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ethridge Stevens, Sterling Woodrow Johnson, and William Eugene Johnson.
Visitation was held at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, from 10 a.m. until noon. Funeral services were then conducted on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at noon in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Don Wells officiating. Interment will follow in the Bernie cemetery with full military honors.