Junior Johnson

Roy Francis Johnson Jr. “Junior”, age 72, of Lamar, Missouri, died unexpectedly Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Barton County Memorial Hospital. Junior was born January 27, 1942, at Lamar, the only child of Roy F. and Gladys (Needham) Johnson.  He graduated from Lamar High School 1960 and was a life-long resident.  He was preceded in death by his parents. Junior worked for more than 25 years as a supervisor for O’Sullivan Industries and was proud to have been a Lamar firefighter for 50 years.   Always active and interested in his community, he served as an EMT and designed the patch currently used by Barton County EMS.  Junior was an active member of Lamar Metro Club, was a 3rd Degree Mason and 32nd Degree Shriner Abou Ben Adhem, as well as an officer in Eastern Star, loved working on cars and was a Ham Radio operator. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Lamar.  Junior will be remembered by many for his famous chili.  He earned many awards throughout his years in chili cook-off competitions, highlighted by being named National Chili Champion. On February 16, 1962, at Lamar, Junior married Dixie Lee Fasken, and she survives of the home.  Also surviving is a son, J.R. Johnson, Lamar; a daughter, Margie & husband D.J. Short, Warrensburg, Missouri; five grandchildren, Austin Johnson, Cheyenne Johnson, Warner Short, Lambert Short, and Velie Short; and a host of friends. Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Pat Teter officiating. Rosary service will be at 6:00 pm Friday, January 23 at Daniel Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends following the Rosary service. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bell Restoration Fund of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.