Eugene L. Johnson, Sr.

Eugene L. Johnson, Sr., age 97, of McCook, NE passed away November 23, 2021 at Community Hospital in McCook.

Gene was born March 14, 1924 in Emerson, NE to parents Noah Dunavan and Elsie Ellen (Binkley) Johnson one of seven siblings.  He attended school at South Sioux City High School, graduating in 1941.  Gene enlistment in the United States Army.  He proudly served his country during WW II and was honorably discharged in 1946.  He later worked for the railroad and was a postal carrier. Most of his work life was spent in construction.

Gene married Betty Swanson Kerns on September 12, 1970.  They made their home in the Siouxland area until moving to McCook in 2002.  The couple also spent eighteen years as snowbirds in Texas after retirement where Gene enjoyed fishing.  They also spent time camping in Wisconsin and were hosts for one year.

He learned to do wood carving at age 78.  Family and friends enjoyed his work and everyone at Highland Park got a small carved cross one year for Christmas.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Johnson in 2015; and two children, Mildred Foster and Eugene (Zeke) Johnson, Jr.

Those left to celebrate his life include his son, Paul (Pete) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; stepson, Dick (Lorri) Kerns of South Sioux City, NE; stepdaughter, Diane (Gene) Purvis of McCook; sister, Nola Mae Golden of Sargent Bluff, IA; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

A private family memorial service with Military Honors will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Park Retirement Community, 610 East 14th, McCook, NE 69001.