Benjamin 'Gentle Ben' Johnson

Danville-Benjamin O. Johnson, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his immediate family, on October 8, 2014 in Danville at the VA Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit. Ben was born the son of Charles and Z. Lucile Johnson in Tuscola, IL on July 13, 1936. Ben is survived by his step daughter Rosalinda (Robert Epmeier) Walker of Danville, his daughter Aileen Motsay of Danville; four grandchildren Maria (Jeremy) Wolf, Chasity and Brittanie Galey of Danville, and Francis B. Motsay of Grand Rapids MI; three great-grandchildren Mercedes Wolf, Aiden Galey, and Aubriella Hill all of Danville; his sisters Marcella Burton and Ramona Lucas of Covington, IN, and his brother Charles Johnson of Jacksonville, AK, nieces and nephews, and his best friend Clifford Powell of Covington, IN. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Priscilla Johnson, nephew Scott Lucas, and brothers-in-law William Lucas and Clarence Burton. Ben served in the United States Air force from 1955 to 1963; he was honorably discharged on March 22, 1963. He was an Airman First Class who received metal for good conduct and applied himself in an excellent and outstanding manner. He took sincere interest in his work and placed all missions over his personal desires. Ben had a green thumb that developed while studying horticulture at DACC, where he made the deans list. Ben was also a member of The Moose Lodge, and The Masonic Blue Lodge/Gao Grotto in Danville. Ben was also responsible for giving the Palliative Nurses at the VA Hospital the loving nickname of “Angels Among Us”. Ben was a generally easy going guy, which earned him the nickname of “Gentle Ben” to his many friends and family. He will be greatly missed by many cherished friends and beloved family members. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home is in charge of arrangements for Ben. Services and Burial will be held at a later time at the Danville National Cemetery in Danville, IL. Please join Bens family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.