Austin E. Johnson, 90, of Kankakee, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Born September 19, 1932, in Chicago, he was the son of Arthur and Dayle R. Reynolds Johnson. He married Nancy J. Ball on June 26, 1954, in Kankakee.
Austin was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1953-1957. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many wonderful moments singing for weddings and the Red Cross Troupers. He was the owner of Austin Johnson Landscape Designs for many years and created numerous beautiful yards for homeowners, the City of Kankakee, and surrounding communities.
He also liked to draw, color, do crossword puzzles, and read. He was an avid sports fan – especially the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Bears. Austin accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1976 and loved praising Him through song. Austin always had words of wisdom to impart, wanting all to know Jesus. He belonged to Herscher Christian Church.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 68 years, Nancy Johnson of Kankakee; daughter, Laura (Cliff) Jensen of Kankakee; son, Trent (Lauren) Johnson of Kankakee; nine grandchildren, Heather Jensen, Malissa Jensen, Christopher Jensen, Amber (Carl) Failor, Andrew Brown, Ashlen (Andy) King, Cassidy (Shane) Cox, Nikki Johnson, and Hannalyn Shipley; eight great-grandchildren, Nathanael Jensen, MacKenzie Jensen, Timothy Jensen, Arianna Failor, Cowen Failor, Hailey Brown, Hayden Brown, and Ayla King; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Johnson of Bourbonnais.
Austin was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, whom he loved like parents, Thelma and Theodore Ball; daughter, Tami Brown; sister, Eva Rae Dietrich; and brother, Charles Johnson.
Cremation rites accorded. There will be no public services. Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee.