Larry Johnson

Funeral services for Larry Johnson, 72 of Aledo, are Friday at 11:00 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Burial with Military Honors is in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Larry was never comfortable in a suit, so those attending are encouraged to dress casual. Larry died on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Genesis Medical Center, Aledo. Larry was a kind man who loved animals, so in lieu of flowers his family requests that memorials be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter Building Fund. Charles Lawrence Johnson was born on March 30, 1945 in Moline, Illinois to Carl E. & Marion (Crawford) Johnson. Larry was a 1963 graduate of Aledo High School. He then married Drena McCreight on August 7, 1965 in Rock Island, Illinois. He loved her dearly and together they went on to face life together as best friends for more than a half century. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles. In April 1969 Larry was severely wounded by enemy fire in the A Shau Valley of Viet Nam, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He would lose his brother-in-law and dear friend Tim McCreight to combat related wounds later that same year. Larry went on to battle many health challenges resulting from his service in Viet Nam, although you would never hear him complain of it. He refused to take life too seriously, always finding a way to have some fun and make those around him laugh. We will forever be inspired by his love and courage.Larry returned home from the war anxious to work hard and start a family with Drena. He owned and operated Larry's Paint Shop in Aledo, restoring many amazing cars and trucks over the years. He shared is lifelong passion for cars with his friends and family, creating so many memories that will last forever. In recent years, he was able to enjoy his restored 1960 Ford Starliner. Larry was a Die Hard Chicago Cub Fan and deservedly enjoyed their 2016 World Series victory after many years of watching heart breaking Cubs baseball. He loved his Schnauzers Mac, Amos, and then Gus, walking untold miles with them over the years. Larry truly adored his children and grandchildren. He had special nicknames for them all and enjoyed teasing them. Larry’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Drena; children and spouses: Mandi & Gerrod Andresen and Chuck and Jennifer Johnson; grandchildren: Timothy “TY”, Olivia “Ollie” and Spencer Andresen and Andrew & Jacob Johnson, all of Aledo; his sister and brother-in-law: Linda & John Kleiber of Rock Island and nieces and their families: Kristina & Micah Schmitt and Erin & Jeremy Mahr; and a special Aunt and Uncle Leah and Wally Danielson of Rock Island. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law: Timothy McCreight; and mother-in-law: Edith McCreight.