Harry E. “Gene” Johnson, 70, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 3:21 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL. Gene fought a short and difficult battle with Multiple Myeloma.
He was born on November 1, 1955 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Oscar L. Jr. and Betty Jean (Clayton) Johnson. Gene was raised and educated in Monmouth and attended Monmouth High School.
Gene had three children, Eric, Greg, and Jennifer. His children were his proudest joy (or so, we like to think). Gene also had two grandchildren, Jerzi Johnson and Sully Frakes. He enjoyed watching Jerzi’s athletics and teasing Sully any chance he got. All survive him and miss him already.
Gene worked for the Monmouth and Monmouth-Roseville Community Unit Districts for over 30 years, retiring in 2014. He loved pulling pranks on staff and students. Gene enjoyed walking his beloved dogs, Penny and Paul, often walking them several miles a day. He loved all things Harley Davidson, boating, the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his family. He would occasionally enjoy a Busch Light or Dirty Pirate from Tootie’s. Gene loved a good cup (or pot) of coffee, black, all day long. He loved to restore old clocks, furniture, and antique brass torches.
Survivors include his children, Eric (Carrie) Johnson, Greg Johnson, and Jennifer Johnson, grandchildren, Jerzi Johnson, and Sully Frakes, a niece, Jaclyn (Bryan) Spence, nephew, Nick (Sherry) Johnson, great niece, Reagan (Spence) Perry, great nephews, Jackson Spence, and Colton Spence. Several cousins survive, as well as his great aunt Jo Johnson.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Betty Johnson, brother, Richard
Johnson, and several cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Please feel free to dress in Dallas Cowboys or Harley Davidson apparel. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Gene Johnson Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
