Edward W. Johnson

Edward Wayne Johnson, 82, of Washington, MO, passed away on October 7, 2025. Mr. Johnson, son of the late William Johnson and Minnie nee Whithouse, was born on April 27, 1943, in St. Louis. He received his education from Hillsboro High School as well as extensive aviation certifications. On November 25, 1978, he was united in marriage to Julia Ann Auffenberg.

Mr. Johnson served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy. Ed was a proud Navy veteran of the Vietnam War as a skilled flight engineer. Among many war medals, he cherished being awarded the US Air Medal the most. For his service, he was recently honored with a ceremony tribute by the St. Louis Honor Flight, escorted by the Washington police and firefighters at his home in Washington.

Following the war, Ed dedicated his career to the aviation industry. During his career, his family moved to various locations throughout the country stretching from Danville, CA to Atlanta, GA. Because of his leadership in professional and community organizations, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce awarded Ed with Small Business Person of the Year in 1993. During his involvement with the Omaha Chamber, and along with numerous civic affiliations, he co-founded the North Omaha Youth Committee, arranging summer sports and mentoring activities for North Omaha Youth.

Ed was a true warrior in every sense, fighting cancer with incredible courage and faith for over 25 years. A true farm boy at heart, he found joy in the country, the beauty of birds and his love for animals. He loved visiting his roots in many small towns in Missouri, including Fletcher and Ste. Genevieve. He took up the hobby of genealogy by expanding family trees and visiting local family graveyards. Ed was always a willing volunteer in his parishes and received the honor of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was actively involved in the Washington Senior Center during the last years of his life. As he slowed down his pace, he loved tracking trains and watching barges go up and down the Missouri River. He carried faith in his heart, praying a family Rosary daily. His love for his family was boundless. Family was blessed to see him pass peacefully at home, surrounded by love. Forever in our hearts.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marritje Katherine Johnson; sister, Vivian Schott and husband Jim, brother-in-law, David Phelan Auffenberg, niece, Annie Grace Auffenberg, and grandson, Ryan Gowen.

Among his survivors are his wife, Julie Johnson of Washington, children, Julia Paige McClelland and husband Matthew of Washington, Brooke Elizabeth Phelps and husband Stephen of Kansas City, MO, Patrick Witthaus Johnson of Washington, Keri L. Gowen and husband Rich of DeSoto and Travis W. Johnson and wife Ginger of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Brooklyn Leanna Bowling, Alizabeth Paige Bowling, Kennedy Grace Bowling, Michael Winston Phelps, Edward Parker Phelps, Laura Maradee Phelps, and Elizabeth Brielle Phelps, Maddison Elisabeth LaPiatra and husband Tim, Megan Loraine Johnson, Makayla Lynn Johnson, Lilly Katherine Johnson, Kellen Busiek, Kyle Gowen and wife Katie, and Kegan Gowen and wife Kelly; great grandchildren were Xzavier S. Elm, Braelyn J. Busiek, Briella S. Busiek, Kenlie J. Gowen and Kenna M. Gowen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert John Auffenberg, Jr. and wife Lisa, Marquita K. Auffenberg, Sally A. Stephen and husband Dan, Nancy M. Rosenthal and husband Lenny, Richard J. Auffenberg and wife Betsy, Peter C.Auffenberg, and Peggy White and husband Thomas J.; many nieces and nephews, loved ones and friends.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Church on Monday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Reception to follow immediately in Jesuit Hall. Funeral procession from the church will promptly begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorial donations can be made to the Washington Missouri Senior Center.

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