Russell Dean Johnson

Danville - Johnson Russell Dean" Johnson, 84, of Danville IL, passed away at1:25 am on Tuesday January 1, 2013 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville IL. Dean was born on December 13, 1928 to Russell G. Johnson and Lettie (Marie) Griffy in Louisville IL. He married Dorothy Hockenberry on October 26, 1952 in Danville, she survives. Other survivors include his son Bruce (Janice) Johnson of Danville, daughter Linda (Randy) Elliott also of Danville; grandchildren Tanner, Grady and Parker Johnson, Eric (Kristy) Seymour, Ashley (Jim) Green and Adam Elliott; great-grandchildren Max, Adison, Kaden, Ethan, Jaley, and Paige; brother Norvan Lee (Rosella) Johnson of Tinley Park, sister Lyla Louise Stanford of Bethalto; and special nephew Kenneth (Charlotte) Brown of Ogden. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald. A graduate of Louisville high Dean worked at the Hyster where he assembled forklifts. At home in the sky Dean was a skilled pilot who had a passion for flying that lasted for 50 years. For several years he flew for Illiana Skydivers although he never took the plunge himself saying, "Why would I want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" Dean loved his family, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be missed. A celebration of Dean's life will be held at 11:00 on Friday January 4, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville with Pastor Heidle of Immanuel Lutheran officiating and burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Friday January 4, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Memorials may be made in Dean's name to Immanuel Lutheran.