The Richmond News, Sept. 6, 2024

Leamon Johnson

Leamon Luther Johnson was born Sept. 1, 1935, in Lexington to Neatha Fern (Payne) (Johnson) Robinson and Leamon L. Johnson. He graduated in 1955 from Lexington High School. Leamon then attended and graduated in 1957 from Graceland College (now Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa. After graduation, he immediately returned home to the love of his life, Tanya Terrill “Terry” Branson, to begin a lasting and loving marriage that began on June 5, 1955.

Leamon continued his education by attending the University of Kansas for another year.

In 1957, he and Terry moved to Burbank, Calif., when Leamon accepted a job with Lockheed Martin. Shortly after that job, he took a job with Cal Tech in the jet propulsion laboratory.

After a brief time living back in the Midwest, Leamon took his dream job as an airline pilot with Eastern Airlines, which moved him and his young family in 1967 to Atlanta.

Leamon absolutely loved to fly. He made captain with Eastern shortly before his retirement in 1988 after 21-plus years of flying. It was in the cockpit that Leamon truly was mesmerized by God’s creation.

Leamon was raised with a strong, full faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He began his priesthood commitment as a young man and continued to serve in the ministry until the day he died. Leamon was always ready to offer his ministry whenever the need arose. There were many a times when he would leave during the dead of night to assist someone in need. He traveled across this country and abroad in the service of the Lord. Leamon was instrumental in helping the church create Camp Horizon, a camp dedicated to the ministry of the needy children in Atlanta.

Leamon found another outlet to offer service to others and that was through his involvement with the Richmond Rotary Club. It was there that Leamon helped the club grow and cultivate its commitment to causes that blessed individuals in the community and abroad in so many ways.

Leamon is survived by his loving companion Terry, his wife of 69-plus years. Other survivors include his sons, Mark Johnson (Katie Paradowski), Duke Johnson (Sue Johnson) and Scott Johnson (Julia Johnson).

Leamon and Terry also shared eight grandchildren: Lindsey Turner (JT), Taylor Goolsby (Robert), Jordan Johnson, Shanna Lemmens (Giles), Brandon Johnson, Parker Johnson (Emma), Davis Johnson (Taran) and Madeline Johnson. In addition, Leamon and Terry shared five great-grandchildren: Knox Turner, Macy Turner, Blakely Goolsby, Miles Goolsby and Corbin Johnson.

Even though family and friends will miss Leamon greatly, missing his wit and his eagerness to help, we are comforted in knowing that he lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family to the fullest. And finally, he served his Savior to the fullest, and we truly believe that he is continuing to do so in Paradise.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Bridge of Hope or Church of Jesus Christ-Washington Restoration Branch. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. and services to follow at 6. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Please share your memories of Leamon with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.