Raymond E. ” Gene” Johnson, 88, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, born December 31, 1930, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away February 20, 2019 at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Gene owned Belle-Mont Pharmacy. He was the past president (1963) of the Greater East St. Louis Pharmacists Association, the past president (1978-1980) of the Bi-County YMCA. He was a member of the Mortar and Pestle Society at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, a member of the St. Clair County West Rotary Club for 47 years, and member of the East St. Louis Jaycees. He was a supporter as a Partner With Youth and a Lamplighter Society Member at the Gateway Region YMCA-O’Fallon Branch. He was the 2008 Lamplighter of the Year Recipient. For 60-plus years, he served as a deacon, elder, and trustee at the First United Presbyterian Church of East St. Louis, as well as a deacon and trustee at the First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville. Gene received the Service to Youth Award in 1981 from the Bi-County YMCA and the Century Club Recognition for 23 years of fundraising efforts. He was voted Outstanding Jaycee of the Year.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Raymond L. and Jewel, nee Cornett, Johnson
He is survived by:
- Beloved wife: June, nee Peterson, Johnson
- Married the love of his life on January 14, 1951
- Children
- Larry E. (Judy) Johnson of Champaign, IL
- Julie (Gary) Montague of Chandler, AZ
- Carolyn (John) Sigl of Bradenton, FL
Gene’s love of life, his family, and his faith were ever present through his work and community activities. Gene will forever and lovingly be remembered by all who knew him as a wonderful husband, father, and friend.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville or Gateway Region YMCA-O’Fallon Branch.
Funeral: Private funeral services were held at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, IL with Pastor Rob Dyer officiating. Internment was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.
8 Comments To "Raymond E. ” Gene” Johnson"
#1 Comment By Tom Ripperda On February 27, 2019 @ 3:58 pm
Gene was a great guy and will be missed by his Rotarian friends. I got to know Gene when he owned pharmacy on 7200s W Main. Had we known about the funeral, we would have been there.
#2 Comment By Michael TInkler On February 28, 2019 @ 9:49 am
Sorry to here of Gene’s passing. A great guy and better friend. He will be missed.
#3 Comment By Mable Hartman On February 28, 2019 @ 10:27 am
My sincere, Love
#4 Comment By Tracey Biermann On February 28, 2019 @ 2:47 pm
I was so sad to learn of Gene’s passing. Was a great guy he was! He will be truly missed by all those lives he touched. I met Gene through Rotary and he sure embodied Rotary’s 4 Way Test. (Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it be beneficial to all concerned).
Sending sincere sympathy to June and family.
#5 Comment By AM On February 28, 2019 @ 3:56 pm
My sincere condolences to your family. May you find comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:4 of a time when death will be no more and loved ones will be reunited.
#6 Comment By Erma Jean & Dale Vandiver On March 4, 2019 @ 2:25 pm
That great bounce in his walk and the great
smile will certainly be missed. Gene/June – one of our favorite couples at church. Prayers for the family! Give June a hug from the Vandiver’s
#7 Comment By Mel & Jerrie Weith On March 5, 2019 @ 9:36 pm
Gene was always there with a smile and a warm handshake at any Rotary event. My heart is at a loss. June, we love you, and hope we will see you soon.
#8 Comment By Allen Kaisor On March 7, 2019 @ 7:27 am
So sorry to learn of Gene’s passing. He was a true gentleman who gave generously of his time and talents and worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in. He will be missed but our lives are so much richer because of him.