Robert Noel Johnson

Robert “Bob” N. Johnson, 88, of Mountain Home, Ark., formerly of Butler County, Mo., passed away, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016 at the Hiram Shaddox Geriatric Health and Rehab in Mountain Home.

Bob was born Feb. 5, 1928 in St. Louis, MO, the youngest of five children. His family moved to rural Butler County, Mo. when he was five years old. Bob had many fond memories of his years living and playing alongside Cane Creek. After moving back to St. Louis to start high school he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard at age 17. Bob served in the Pacific area for last months of WWII and again from 1948 to 1952. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Martens, on Sept. 17, 1948. After living and working in St. Louis and Waukesha, Wisconsin they retired to Mountain Home in 1995 where Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting and competitive shooting. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, the NRA, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church in Mountain Home, where he will be missed by many there who loved him.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty, by his father and mother, Ferman & Margaret Greer Johnson, by his sister Gladys Sliger (Roy), and his brothers Cecil (Hazel), Richard Greer (Mildred and Mary) and William Ferman (Pauline).

Bob is survived by his son Robert John (Clara) and daughter Joanne (Stan Helms), granddaughter Amy (Chris Lewis), grandson Lucas A. Helms (Amanda) and granddaughter Rebekah Kathleen (Thomas Richardson), and three young great-grandchildren, Abigail Joann Richardson, Finlay Micah Helms, and Clara Ann Lewis, all of whom were able to visit him before his passing.

The visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff, Mo., with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. The Rev. Jim Schremp will officiate. Interment with full military honors will be at Sparkman Cemetery in Butler County.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 400 Club Blvd., Mountain Home, AR, 72653 (designated for missions) or to Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Dr., Mountain Home, AR, 72653.