Burney Johnson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Burney Wayne Johnson, age 84, of Diamond, MO, passed away on Tuesday October 20, 2020 at Mercy hospital, following an illness.

Burney was born on March 1, 1936 the son of the late Otis and Georgia (Gilstrap) Johnson. He has been a lifetime area resident. 

He married Carol Young on June 1, 1956 in Oak Grove, MO, and together they were blessed with four children. He attended Joplin Junior College and finished his Bachelor degree from PSU. He also received his Masters in Spanish and World History from PSU. He was a teacher for East Newton School District, teaching Spanish and World History. He was a longtime member of the Beef Branch Church of Christ where he also served as Elder.

Burney loved Bluegrass music. He ran the Johnson Family Music Program at the Spring Valley Community Building for thirty-seven years.

Burney is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Carol Johnson, Diamond, MO; two sons, Burney “Joe” Johnson and wife Anna, Neosho, MO, and Chris Johnson, Diamond, MO; two daughters, Dee Carneal and husband Rick, Diamond, MO, and Beth Ann Harrall and husband Joe, Diamond, MO; one sister, Erma Johnson, Carthage, Mo; thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brother, Edwin and Buddy Johnson; one sister, Delua Jeffers; a granddaughter, Tara Carneal; a grandson, Aaron Johnson; and a great-grandson, Fletcher Harrall.

Private funeral services will be held with burial to follow in the Beef Branch Church of Christ Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a time of visitation from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Beef Branch Church of Christ Cemetery Fund in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.