Howard Addison Johnson

Howard Addison Johnson, 84, Bettendorf, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017, after an extended illness. Cremation rites have been accorded. His life will be celebrated at a private family service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Burn Camp for Children 8-16years old at Camp I AM ME (426 W NW Highway, Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056) or any local children's organization.

Howard was born on December 16, 1932, the son of Howard A. & Jeanette A. (Taylor) Johnson, in Princeton, IL. He married Rita J. Vickrey on January 8, 1956, in Princeton, IL. They have three children, J. Keith Johnson, Kendall R. Johnson and Margo J. (Johnson) McInnis. The son of a daughter of the American Revolution (DAR), his ancestry dates back to William Brewster, passenger of the Mayflower. He graduated from Manlius High School and attended Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. before entering the army, where he served in the Korean War as corporal with the 176th Armored Field & Artillery Battalion. He was a member of the S.P.E.B.Q.S.A. Bend of the River Chorus (now Harminators), Rock Island Chapter. As an accomplished musician he played piano, was a singer/songwriter, and arranged music and coached Barbershop & Sweet Adeline quartets, as well as directing both chorus'. One of his original songs "My Little Pal" was sung in the National Contest, held on the east coast in the 1990's. He was well known and requested for singing "The Lord's Prayer" at many weddings. He was also known for singing a traditional song, in Swedish, "Children of the Heavenly Father" at various gatherings. He was active in his church choir and served as deacon and elder. He was third generation in the funeral business in Bureau County, Illinois. He retired from the Rock Island Arsenal. He was creative at bending barbed wire into art and woodworking, which he & his wife sold at various craft fairs throughout the United States. He loved traveling with his favorite sweety, spending time with family, watching Sunday football games, John Wayne movies and enjoying life.

Left to honor his memory includes his wife Rita, of 63 years on January 8, 2018; sons, J. Keith & Amy Johnson, Coeur d'Alene, ID; Kendall R. & Corinna Johnson, Davenport, IA; daughter Margo J. & Chadwick McInnis, Phoenix, AZ; Brother in law Dean Tubbs, Appleton, MN; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and the great staff at their favorite restaurants; specifically a few who went above and beyond, and who he considered family, Amy and Polo.

He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Joan A (Johnson) Tubbs; his parents; Howard and Jeanette Johnson; Twin great grandchildren; Christian & Skylar Johnson; and nephew Tommy Tubbs.

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