Bruce Johnson

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Bruce L. Johnson, 75, of Monett, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, December 15, 2025, at his home.

Bruce was born on January 20, 1950, in Osborn, MO, son of the late Melvin and Dorothy (Ross) Johnson. Bruce, an All American in football and a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, turned down multiple offers from the NFL to pursue a career as a high school coach and teacher. He coached 5 decades involving the sports of football, wrestling and track. He was a pioneer in the state of Missouri to introduce square dancing to elementary PE students. 

Bruce enjoyed gardening, fishing and arguing politics with his son. Anyone that played sports for Coach J, knows he also enjoyed making athletes do burpees, bear crawls and hills when they screwed up. Bruce was a Christian and a member of First United Methodist Church.

On July 2, 1974, Bruce was united in marriage, to Linda Kay Tetrick. They were blessed with over fifty-one years of wonderful memories.

Survivors include his wife, Linda of the home; one son, Roy Johnson of Siloam Springs, AR; one daughter, Alexia Melling and husband Mike of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Kaelin, Dakota and Anna; one brother, Michael Johnson and wife Della of Cameron, MO; and a host of extended family and friends.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Benny Johnson and one sister, Janice Bowie.

Memorial visitation for Bruce will be held 10-12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. A family private committal will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monett. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.