Paul Johnson, 56, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Southeast Hospital. He was born on Jan. 23, 1955, to David Ivan and Maxine Daily Johnson in Du Quoin. He was married Jan. 16, 1982, to Nancy Beatty of Mannington, W.Va. Paul Johnson was a Cape Girardeau police and fire 911 dispatcher for 24 years. He was also employed at Gospel-and Bookstore in Carbondale and Cape Girardeau. He served one year on the Mission Service Corps through Southern Baptist Missions. Paul also worked at the Du Quoin Evening Call for seven years.
He is survived by his wife; daughter, Joy Lynn Johnson of Cape Girardeau; son, Josiah David Johnson of Cape Girardeau; three grandsons, Nathaniel, Zachary and Joshua; father, David Johnson of Du Quoin; mother-in-law, Polly Beatty of Mannington; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Rebekkah Lynn-Anne Johnson; mother; and father-in-law, James Beatty of Mannington. Visitation will be from 10 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at LaCroix United Methodist Church. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Fred Bishop officiating. Memorials may be made to the family to offset the cost of the funeral and will be accepted at the funeral home.
