Johnnie R. Lee Carson

JOHNNIE R. LEE CARSON Johnnie R. Lee Carson passed away on June 14, 2008 at the age of 83 in his home in Bolivar after an extended illness. Johnnie was born on November 21, 1924 near Cliquot in Polk County, Missouri, the son of Philander Greene Carson and Hannah Irene (Parrott) Carson. He was the youngest of five children and was raised on the family farm near Cliquot. Johnnie attended grade school in Cliquot and graduated from Humansville High School in 1943. He began his career as an electrical lineman with Southwest Electric Cooperative of Bolivar in 1948, retiring after 40 years of service in 1988. Johnnie was baptized in his youth into the Salem Baptist Church of Cliquot, later becoming a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, serving as a deacon. He was a 50 year member of the Bolivar Masonic Lodge # 195 A.F. & A.M. Johnnie was married to Shirley Elizabeth (Spurgeon) Hanan on December 22, 1951 in the Bolivar area. Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Opal Williams, brothers Glen Carson and Oren Carson, daughter Christie Hanan, and son Johnnie R. Lee Carson II. Johnnie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley of the home, daughter Carla Parker and husband Rich of Desoto, Kansas, daughter Jeannie Jones of Bolivar, grandson Army Specialist Cecil Parker and wife Heather of Anchorage, Alaska, granddaughter Andrina Law and husband Navy Ensign Aaron of Pensacola, Florida, granddaughter Mary Beth Jones of Bolivar, great-grandson Andrew Law, and a sister Alcy Larkey of Harrisonville, Missouri. Also several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Dr. Harlan E. Spurgeon and Reverend Billy E. Russell officiating. Musical selections will be, "Amazing Grace", " The Old Rugged Cross", and "When We All Get To Heaven" sung be Brad Wommack with Rose Roweton as the pianist. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Pallbearers will be Jerry Carson, Jim Carson, Terry Leith, Brad Wommack, Kelly Leith, and Rich Parker. Visitation will be from 6-7pm, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Johnnie Carson to the First Baptist Church, 316 N. Main Avenue, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Johnnie R. Lee Carson

November 21, 1924 - June 14, 2008