Larry E Johnson

Larry E. Johnson, 79, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 7:40 am, Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the Oak Lane Rehabilitation Center, Stronghurst, IL.

Larry was born June 24, 1943, in Monmouth, IL the son of Eldon Albert and Ruby Lucille (Swedlund) Johnson.  He was raised and educated, in Roseville, IL graduating from Roseville High in 1961, earning his BA in Music from Northeastern Illinois University in 1971 and his master's degree in Voice Performance from Western Illinois University in 1974.

Larry served with the United States Army from 1967-1970 during Vietnam where he auditioned and was selected to sing and travel with the US Army Field Band and Chorus.

Larry assisted his father on the family farm at various times. Following his return from the Army, Larry was a paid chorus member of the Lyric Opera in Chicago.   He held numerous office positions at ASCS Conservation in Monmouth.  He also worked at Admiral in Galesburg, Chef Foods in Macomb and later worked for 22 years at Wilson Foods, Farmland, Smithfield before retiring in 2019.

Larry sang at numerous weddings, funerals and Christmas Cantatas; he loved Opera.  He enjoyed attending fairs in the summer as he had a love for animals, particularly horses.  Swimming was an enjoyment as was track and field events.

Survivors include his sister, Joanne (John) Peterson of Moline, IL; nieces, Lisa (Kevin) Gorgal of Moline, Mindy (Mike) Meyers of Silvis, IL and Ashely (Matthew) Williams of Wagga Wagga, Australia; 6 great nieces and nephews, Bailey Gorgal, Bennett Gorgal, Riley Meyers, Brody Meyers, Dixie Williams and Harvey Williams; numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers-in-law, Ric Johns and Joseph Cravero.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Interment will be at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL.   Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) and sent to the funeral home.