Lloyd E. Johnson

Lloyd E. Johnson, 88, of East Peoria, IL, passed away at 7:40 am on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Snyder Village in Metamora. He was born on February 21, 1933, in Kincaid, IL, to Richard and Nellie (Hughes) Johnson. He married Wanda Farley on August 20, 1955, in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Wanda of Metamora; daughter, Cheryl (Cox) Rosen of East Peoria; sons, Roland “Buddy” (Judy) Cox of Tremont and John (Jeanette) Johnson of East Peoria; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Rachael, Eric, Adam, Andy, and Evan; several great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Pennington of Carlinville; and several nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Herbert and Richard, and sisters Connie, Betty, Marie, Shirley, Fern, and Doreen.

Lloyd was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the 82nd Airborne, referred to as the All Americans, during the Korean War where he earned several medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Ribbon, and two Bronze Service medals. He was a member of the VFW Post #2078 in East Peoria, the Masons Hilton Lodge #1143 in East Peoria, Amvets Post #1169 Pekin Chapter, Tazewell Military Rites Team, and a founding member of the East Peoria Boat Club. He was a retired member of the Teamsters Union #627.

In the late 1950’s Lloyd and his brother Richard hauled cars from Detroit across the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast. He then worked at Caterpillar in East Peoria for two years where he met Wanda. For the rest of his career he drove for Kroger and then Yellow Freight.

Lloyd was mechanically inclined and could fix and build just about anything. He made Adirondack chairs and octagonal picnic tables for his sons and daughter for Christmas 2020. He enjoyed boating, golfing, reading, and traveling. He was a very active member of the VFW and the Masons Lodge. He was groundskeeper and mechanic at the Abbas Grotto in East Peoria. For years he served on Honor Guards. He, along with Wanda, volunteered for several years with the Festival of Lights, where they, along with the other early volunteers, were instrumental in the success of the festival. Additionally, Lloyd was always ready and willing to help neighbors, friends, and family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Reverend Gary Salm officiating. Due to Covid-19, CDC guidelines will be followed. Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until time of his service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial of Ashes will be in Fondulac Township Cemetery with military honors accorded at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dentistry for Special Needs Children, c/o Abbas Grotto, 1839 Highview Road, East Peoria, IL 61611 or the VFW Post #2078, 1507 Meadow Avenue, East Peoria, IL 61611. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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