Leslie "Les" Allen Johnson

Leslie A. Johnson Leslie “Les” Allen Johnson, 78, of Litchfield, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 9:09 p.m. at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Les was born April 1, 1946, in Litchfield. He is the son of Harwell C. and Alma Ruth (Sharp) Johnson. Les graduated from Litchfield Community High School, Class of 1964, and was looking forward to the class’s 60th Reunion. Les earned an Associate’s Degree in auto mechanics from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1972. He was an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Mechanic. He was known for his work on transmissions and overall auto and diesel engine repair.

Les worked for over 35 years in the auto and truck service and repair field. His first employer was Brubaker Motor Co. followed by Hans R. Schmidt Motor Sales, both in Litchfield. Over his career, Les worked at other area dealerships and from his home. He retired from Ponder Equipment Co. in Litchfield.

Les was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type 1) as a young boy. He lived 71 years as a diabetic, with 70 of those years as insulin dependent. He forewent going to college after graduating from high school in order to work and assist his loving mother raise his siblings. He was the “Best Dad in the World”, according to his daughter and son. Les was a member of the First Baptist Church of Litchfield, an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, enjoyed family gatherings, and going to car and tractor shows.

Surviving are his daughter, Dana (Chad) Rice, and his son, Dan (Tiffany) Johnson both of Litchfield. Four brothers; Ronald (Barbara) Johnson of Litchfield, Jerald (Janice) Johnson of Crete, IL., Lloyd “Peanut” (Marci) Johnson and Robert A. (Cathy) Johnson, and his sister, Carol (Robert) Sneed all of Litchfield and several nieces and nephews. Les leaves eight of what are known as “Bubba’s grandchildren”: Braden A. and Caleb Mazenko, Kendall L. and Connor J. Rice, Lee A. and Jacob J. Johnson, and Cordell and Faythe T. Stocker.

Funeral services for Les will be conducted Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M at the First Baptist Church of Litchfield. Reverend Dr. Jason L. Plumer, pastor of First Baptist Church of Litchfield, and Reverend Gary J. Schwab, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and longtime childhood friend and classmate of Les’, will officiate. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation for Les will be held Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The family asks for memorials to be directed to either Breakthrough T1D (Type 1 Diabetes Program) or the Litchfield Community High School FFA Program. 

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