William Marion (Junior) Johnson, 87, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at his residence.

Bill was born April 24, 1924, in Allendale, Ill., the son of Lloyd Braden (Brady) and Fannie Beatrice (Doan) Johnson.

He grew up helping his father on the family melon farm near Johnson. He graduated from Owensville High School class of 1942, served in the United State Army, and went on to further his education at Oakland City College and Indiana University receiving degrees in 1949 and 1953.

He began teaching natural sciences, chemistry and social studies in 1949 at Vernon High School, and then at Waldron High School. From 1958 - 1975 he taught at Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School retiring from Turkey Run High School in 1989. He was the naturalist at Harmonie State Park during the summers in the 1980's.

Bill was a member of the Owensville Untied Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge F & AM 217, Waldron, the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years Grace (Whipple) Johnson; son, Braden (Brady) Johnson (Brenda) of Mt. Carmel, daughters, Becky Klass (Rick) of Evansville, Beth Roop (Mike) Alexandria, and Amy Maurer (Kelly) of Evansville; grandchildren, Carl Johnson, Bettie Johnson, Andrea Rosenfeld, Ryan and Kyle Rubrecht, Rachel Rubrecht McCloskey, Blake and Dane Maurer and eight, great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Roy and Walter Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at Owensville United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Kloepping and Rev. William Ping officiating. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Holders Funeral Home in Owensville.