William Marion Johnson was born on April 9, 1927 in Thurman, Iowa, the son of Arthur Raymond and Alice Maye (Withrow) Johnson. Bill entered into the arms of the Lord on Saturday morning, December 11, 2010 at his home in Shenandoah.

Bill's early years were spent in the Thurman area where he attended school thru the 8th grade. Having to leave his education behind to help out his family, Bill took a job with G.B. Davison in Thurman as a truck driver. He drove a 2 1/2 ton truck and delivered corn, cattle, household goods, and a variety of other products to market. He also was responsible for the maintenance of the truck and for minor repairs. He was not a stranger of hard work. On February 3, 1949 he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the service he was assigned the duty of working as a member of a medium tank crew. He received an honorable discharge on February 27, 1950. On March 14, 1955 he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served his country with honor for an additional three year term.

On June 4, 1950 he was united in marriage to Marjy Joy McCall in Sidney, Iowa. The couple resided in an apartment in Thurman and later in Shenandoah before purchasing their home at 1204 W Thomas Street in 1951. The couple was blessed with 60 years of marriage.

During his working days, which started as a young man, Bill held many jobs.
He worked for Dekalbs, a gas station, drove a truck for Ray Stewart, retired from Eaton's after over 19 years of loyal service and later worked at the Furniture Mart until he was ready to settle into full retirement. He was a member of the Eagles, the Ramblers Camping Club, and the United Methodist Church. Some of his hobbies included fishing, camping, hunting, playing softball with his son-in-laws and he also bowled for several years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Noni, Maxine, Lois, Jack, Frances, Junior, and Bob; daughter Judy; and great-grandson Michael McKinnon.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife Marjy, daughters Joy Thompson and husband Richard of Shenandoah, Jeana Smith and husband Robert of Shenandoah and Janet Johnson and husband Sam Hankins of Morrison, OK; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother Maurice; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.