Allen Johnson

Monday, June 16, 2003

SIKESTON - Allen Franklin "A.F." Johnson, 84, died June 14, 2003, at his home.

Born Nov. 27, 1918, in Morley, son of the late Clarence Franklin and Sally Franklin Johnson, he was of the Nazarene belief. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a long distance trucker for more than 40 years before retiring. A member of Teamsters Union 891 in Jackson, Miss., he was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

On Nov. 15, 1938, in New Madrid, he married Mergie Mae Nelson who preceded him in death on June 21, 1995.

Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Ralph Ayers and Beverly and Tom Oliver of Sikeston and Joyce Ann and Dick Cummins of Gig Harbor, Wash.; four sisters, Mary Elizabeth "Polly" Burns of Sikeston, Vivian "Billie" Stephens of St. Louis, Glenda Jean Meltabarger of Villa Ridge and Linda Cantrell of Blodgett; five grandchildren, Ralph Ayers Jr. of Burbank, Calif., Allen Ayers of Wilson, N.C., Brent Berry of Bolivar, Tenn., and Amanda Cummins and Allison Cummins of Gig Harbor; and five great-grandchildren, Lindsay Ayers and Austin Ayers of Wilson, N.C., Wyatt Berry of Bolivar and Jordan Cummins and Emily Cummins of Gig Harbor.

He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Berry; two brothers, Richard Norman Johnson and John Johnson; one sister, Frances Tate; and one granddaughter.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Rick Lasley, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Full military graveside rites will be conducted at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be: Ralph Ayers Jr., Allen Ayers, Brent Berry, Mike Johnson, J.W. Nelson and Nelson Johnson.

Paid obituary