Homer Leland Johnson passed peacefully away June 27 ^th , 2022, at home surrounded by his wife of 64 years and loved ones.   He was born October 8 ^th , 1937, to Robert and Fannie (LaBudde) Johnson in Brookville, Illinois.  As a child he spent many of his childhood years living in Ogle County in or near Forreston.

He attended school in Forreston until he went to live in Rockford, after his mother's passing, where he graduated from Rockford East high school in 1956.  In 1955 he met Miss Irma Kramer while in Freeport at the Union Dairy where he decided she was the only girl for him and on August 25 ^th , 1957, he wed Miss Kramer and continued to reside in Freeport.

Over the years he worked at numerous jobs from a bakery delivery guy to a pin setter at the bowling alley.  He worked at many local car dealerships where he began as a car detailer to eventually being a salesman.   He worked for The Freeport Journal Standard in sales for a number of years before moving to WFRL as the Sales Manager.  From there he moved to the Dixon Evening Telegraph for a short time as one of the advertising salesmen.  When offered a chance to work at Montgomery Wards he accepted the position and remained there for several years.  In time he took a position with Blaine's Farm and Fleet where he remained until his retirement.  Upon retirement he served with the Freeport Police Department with the Civilian Volunteer Police Force and enjoyed helping with the parades and special events in town and also enjoyed driving for Barkau's in Cedarville.

An avid local sports fan he attended many of the local sports activities and events and was recognized by Aquin and Freeport as a lifelong fan.  At the local stock car races, he was a fan favorite whenever  he attended and sang at the karaoke events.

It was his zest for life that kept him going and drove him to make holidays fun as Homer was a huge part of the lives of his family.  He lived for Halloween as it was his favorite holiday that led him to participate in the Train of Terror event with the Silver Creek and Stephenson County Railroad Museum.

He was an avid fisherman who spent many days at Krape Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na or any other fishing hole with a pole in the water.  It was he who taught his children and grandchildren how to fish.

Homer is survived by his wife Irma, sons Mark (Kari) Johnson, Matthew (Shelby) Johnson, daughters Julie (Peter) Miller, Michelle (Martin) Healey; grandchildren Zack (Sarah Parris-Miller), Cody Lee Parris-Miller, Joshua (Winona) Parris-Miller, Heather Simler, Katherine (Ira) Thurmond, Marybeth Simler, Kaylynn Healey, William Healey, Abigail Healey, Cherilynn Johnson, Autumn Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Jaxon Johnson, Kaidence Aeschliman, Leah Aeschliman; brother Dale Johnson and sisters Marilyn Belin and Patricia Gabel.  Numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harlan, Robert and Royal and daughter Kellene Simler.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ in Freeport. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at White Oak Cemetery in Forreston, IL. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com .