Kenny "Goose" Johnson

Kenny "Goose" Johnson, age 84, of rural Marion, passed way after a brief illness at 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center of Marion, IL.

He was born in Marion, IL on October 5, 1941 the son of John Luke and Elsie Mae (Foster) Johnson.

Kenny attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1959.

He proudly answered the call of this nation by enlisting into the United States Air Force in 1961 serving in Europe. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged in 1965, with the rank of Airman First Class.

After returning from the military, he enrolled at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

He was united in marriage to Alicia Ann Oakley and this union was blessed with three children, Jeremiah, Brannon and Kinda.

His working career began with the Tempo Department Store of Marion, overseeing their sporting goods department. His outstanding knowledge and sales ability achieved the status of the Marion Tempo Store outselling all the other Tempo Stores combined in waterfowl ammunition. This outstanding achievement caught the attention of Tempo's corporate management, and they wanted to advance him in the company. This would have required Kenny to move from the area and he declined. He went on to run his own sporting goods store in Carterville, IL named KJ Sports. Then in 1980, he began his long career with Dunn's Sporting Goods of Marion, IL. During this time, he found great enjoyment in assisting the people of the region with all their sporting goods needs. After 26 years of service, he retired in 2006. Soon he realized he missed helping others and returned back working for Dunn's part-time until 2020.

He attended church at the Marion First Baptist Church.

He was known by all for being an avid outdoorsman especially anything that pertained to wing shooting including duck, goose and dove hunting. He also enjoyed rabbit and squirrel hunting and fishing. Just being on his feet in the woods brought him great enjoyment. He was a fan of college basketball and was a proud SIU Saluki Basketball supporter and fan.

He was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren and was always interested in hearing about all the many activities going on in their lives. The many times they all shared together will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his son, Brannon Johnson of Marion, IL; daughter, Kinda Simpson and her husband, John of Marion, IL; six grandchildren, Kyle Wahl of Portland, OR, McKenzie Everett and husband, Jordan of Shreveport, LA, Alyson True of Prince George, VA, John Luke Simpson of Paducah, KY, Sara Elizabeth Simpson of Paducah, KY and Haylie Wolaver of Marion, IL; former wife, Alicia A. Oakley of Carbondale, IL, other extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeremiah Johnson; two sisters, Carol Snoddy and Linda Bartley and two brothers, Robert Johnson and Jimmy Johnson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 with Pastor Robbey Smith presiding.

Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Marion, IL.

Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by members of the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Detail and the Marion V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to "Marion VFW Ritual Team." Contributions will help the Veterans offset expenses incurred in providing military tributes at the graveside. Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For more information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.