Fred Wates Johnson

Fred Wates Johnson, 76 of Bolivar passed away Monday, Feb 1, 2016 at Mercy Hospital. He was born on May 17, 1939in Bolivar to Clark and Hazel Johnson. Fred attended Pleasant Hope Elem and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School. He joined the military in 1958, and served until 1961. He was saved at an early age, and baptized at First Baptist Church, in Pleasant Hope, where he remained a member for several years serving as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He was currently a member of Springhill Baptist Church, in Springfield. Fred was very strong in his faith and an excellent Christian example, for not only his family, but also his friends. Fred met Sharon Mosley in 1954, and they were married July 5, 1960. To this union four children were born. Fred spent his life as a farmer working the family farm, at first with his parents, and then later continued with Sharon and his children and grandchildren. He continued to be active in the daily farming operations until recently when he had to step back due to health issues. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of Mid-America Dairyman, working for the betterment of the dairy industry. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents, one baby daughter, Glenda Sue, a grandson, Zachary Johnson, son in law, Shannon Lynn, and brother, Gene Johnson. Surviving Fred is a daughter, Anita Lynn of Bolivar, son Kevin Johnson and his wife Susan of Marshfield, son Aaron Johnson and his wife Teresa of Bolivar, grandchildren, Shayna Warren and her husband DJ, Shyann Warren and her husband Jordan, Chester Blackington, Kyle Johnson, Dalton Johnson, Devin Johnson, Wyatt Lynn, great grandchildren, Clara, MaCoy, Keaton, Kale, Kaden, Aubrey, Porter, and Jaydon, sister, Betty Cribbs and her husband David of Bolivar, sister, Barbara Gilmore of Bolivar, sister in law, Karen Johnson, of Bolivar, and very special friend Marilyn Morris. Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and received a great amount of joy from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 6 – 8:00 PM at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, in Bolivar. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the Butler Funeral Home Chapel, in Bolivar, with burial, including full military honors, to follow the service, at the Pleasant Hope Cemetery, in Pleasant Hope, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice by the donor.

Fred Wates Johnson

May 17, 1939 - February 1, 2016