Russell Leon Johnson

     Russell Leon Johnson, age 89 of Harrisburg, passed away at 7:30 AM, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

     Russell was born on December 24, 1935, in Herod, Illinois to the late Bruce and Bernice (Stuby) Johnson. He was valedictorian in his graduating class from Pope County High School where he was also active in FFA, basketball and baseball.  On December 22, 1956 he married Shirley Gidcumb and she preceded him in death on July 28, 1996. Russell was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church since 1960. Russell worked out of the Operating Engineers Local 318 but also farmed his entire life. In his later years, his favorite things to do were running his track hoe, hanging out at the Mitchellsville Store and checking on his fields. He also enjoyed watching westerns on tv. He was a Mason and a member of the Golconda Masonic Lodge # 131.

     Russell is survived by his three children, son, Jerry Johnson and wife Kathy of Harrisburg; son, Stephen Johnson and wife Jill of Harrisburg; daughter, Angela Malone and husband Mark of Galatia; nine grandchildren, Leann Miller and husband Ron; Kerry Taborn and husband, Dean; Julie Gott and husband, Jerod; Jenna Jones and husband, Dustin; Jessi Johnson and fiancée Stephen Fricks,  Kent Johnson,  Chelsea Johnson and husband, Matt Rines; Allie Hampton and husband, Gentry; and Paige Malone; sixteen great grandchildren, Kyle, Megan, Taylor, Jace and fiancée (Dashmirh), Kaden, Jonson, Jia, Landen, Tavis, Mae, Jocci, Jemma, Janson, Justice, Claudia, Millie and twins on the way; three great-great grandchildren, Leah, Jameson and Jireh; sister, Teresa Young of Riverside, Missouri; sister, Linda Gribble and husband Lannie of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents and wife, Shirley, Russell was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Johnson, and brother, Benny Johnson.

     Funeral services for Russell Leon Johnson will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Rev. Donnie Hughes and Rev. Doug Uzzle will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church or Macedonia Cemetery and will be received at Stricklin Funeral Home. 

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