David Robert Johnson, age 88, of Sedalia, died Friday, June 3, 2022 at his home. He was born November 16, 1933 in Sedalia, Missouri, to Dennis R. and Josephine A. (Lutjen) Johnson, who preceded him in death, along with his sister Donna B Whitfield and brother Paul B Johnson.
He attended Whittier and Broadway Elementary Schools, Smith-Cotton High School. Later he attended CMSU and SFCC, graduating with an Associates of Science Degree.
David retired as a Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy in 1975, having been awarded numerous awards and metals (Vietnam service with seven campaign stars and several more, with various commendations as well. During his service, he remarkably survived two airplane crashes and the historic fire on the USS Enterprise in 1969, which claimed many lives.
After his retirement, he returned home to Sedalia, where he served as a Pettis County Deputy Sheriff in the late 1970’s, one term on the Sedalia City Council, and later earned a second retirement from the US Postal Service in 1995. During these years, he also served five times PAST Commander of VFW Post 2591 and one time All-State Commander.
In 1953, he married Captolia “Cappy” Bopp, who preceded him in death, in 2007. They shared, loved, and are survived by their four children: Jerry C. Johnson (Jayne), of San Antonio, Texas, Joni C. Dillon (David) and Alicia A. Hartley (Robert) of Sedalia, and Pamela G. Munoz (Saul), of Weslaco, Texas. He had nine beautiful grandchildren: Aaron Munoz, Ricky Bodenstab, Ashley Dillon, Jason Bodenstab, Alex Munoz, Jordon Bodenstab, Jennifer Johnson, Broox Dillon, and Max Munoz, and five great-grandchildren: Bailey Mendiola, Jyles Bodentab, Justin Bodenstab, Kylie Bodenstab, Ayden Stephens, Kiley Bodenstab, Javier Munoz, and arriving soon, Felix Munoz.
After Cappy’s passing, David spent nine years living in Kansas City, with his former High School Sweetheart Elizabeth “Betty” Cook, who was also widowed. Her family welcomed him with open arms and warm hearts. He is survived by her children: Carla (Don) Duree, Kelly (Don), and Clint (Debbie) Cook, and grandchildren: Danny Meyers, J.D. Meyers, Caroline Meyers, Cameron Cook, Courtney Cook, and Kelsey Cook.
In life, David loved Golf, Baseball, Football, Fishing, and Gardening. But, Most of All, he loved his family and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville with full military honors by the U.S. Navy and VFW 2591. Pallbearers serving in his honor are Ricky Bodenstab, Jason Bodenstab, Jordan Bodenstab, Aaron Munoz, Alex Munoz, David and Broox Dillon. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church.
There will be a Celebration of Life Reception at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 in the Parish Center of Sacred Heart Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.