Norman Johnson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Norman Dale Johnson, age 85, Carthage, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019 at Freeman West.

Norman was born October 1, 1933 in Ravanna, Missouri, son of the late Lowell William Johnson and Eula Pearl Gannon Johnson. He moved to Joplin as a child, and graduated from Joplin High School in 1951. He then served in the United States Army in Korea, being discharged with the rank of Corporal. He returned to the Joplin area and attended Pittsburg State University working on a degree in Psychology. He began his career with the Joplin Fire Department where he worked for many years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1996. He then worked for several years with A.B.A. as a Security Officer. Throughout the years he also owned and operated the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Carthage.

He was a very active member of the Abou Ben Adhem Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge #345 F.M. & A.M. where he received his 33 rd Degree in 1985, he later received his Red Hat in 1993. He attended Frisco Church of Webb City for years.

In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by a daughter, Leslie Ann Fuller.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Pat Johnson; children, Randy Dale Franks and wife Sandy of Trek Henrico, Virginia, Melody Renee' Short of Rogers, Arkansas, Kelli Lynn Cragin of Joplin, and Mark Smith and wife Joyce also of Joplin; grandchildren, Rose Franks, Jacob Franks, Joshua Franks, Claire Franks, Brady Short, Grant Short, Joshua Bogard, Camille Cragin Antolock, Mallory Hill, and Jared Fuller, Matt Smith, Michael Smith; great-grandchildren, Kensli, Chloe, Wyatt, Jackson, Julia; brother, Ernie Johnson and wife Pat of Pasadena, Maryland; sister, Kristie Grimes and husband Winfred of Kansas City, Kansas.

Memorial service will be Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Trey Laveroni officiating, and Masonic Rites by Local #345, and Military Honors.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriner's Hospital in St. Louis, or the Joplin Humane Society.

The family will be at the home of his daughter, Kelli Cragin.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.