Russell Eugene Johnson Jr., 67, of Taylorville, died at St. John’s Hospital on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, at 11 a.m., at Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Rev. Christopher Prumm officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro. Family and friends are welcome to enjoy fellowship and remembrances with the family, following the services, at Maverick Steakhouse in Litchfield, at their own expense.
Mr. Johnson was born on July 23, 1958, in Danville, the oldest child of Russell and Deanna (Miller) Johnson Sr.
He graduated from Bismark-Henning High School in 1976. Throughout his life, he built a career centered on hard work, service and connecting with people. From running his own floor care business, managing restaurants and gas stations, to driving motor coaches across the country, he never met a stranger and truly enjoyed getting to know and helping others.
Mr. Johnson was married to Dianne Sandbakken from February 1981 to May 1991. In 1993, he married Martha (Sewing) Johnson and together they shared 32 wonderful years of marriage, creating a uniquely blended family full of love.
He was a strong man of faith who cherished staying connected to family and friends, traveling and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his charisma, vibrant laugh, storytelling and unconditional love.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Martha Johnson of Taylorville; children, Russell Johnson III, of Vandalia, Chad Johnson of Litchfield, Melanie (Cress) Irvine of Hillsboro, Adam Cress of Las Vegas, NV, Miranda Johnson of Pawnee, Michael Johnson of Taylorville and Marissa Johnson of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Kalista, Bailey, Liam, Caylum, Chloe, Emily, Anna, Jackson and Zeal; siblings, Ronald Johnson, Randall Johnson Sr., Roy Johnson Sr. and Risa (Johnson) Langdon; many beloved nieces and nephews, including Randall Jr., Amanda, Shawn, Adrienne, Roy Jr., Robert, Cameron, Isabella, Darlynn, Johnathan and Jillian.
He was preceded in death by his parents Russell Eugene Johnson Sr. and Deanna (Miller) Johnson and his brother, Richard Johnson.
Memorials in Mr. Johnson’s memory may be made to the family in care of Martha J. Johnson.
Hough-Dean is assisting the family. Please visit www.houghdeanfh.com to light a virtual candle, to order flowers or to console the family.
