William E. Johnson, Sr.

William E. "Bill" Johnson, of Hillsboro, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the eldest son of Earl M. and Nora C. Johnson of St. Louis. Bill was preceded in death by his parents as well as his wife of 60 years, Jocelyn. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Hendler, Julie Johnson and Will (Christy) Johnson, and his five granddaughters, Caroline, Sarah, Emma, Katie and Grace. He also is survived by his siblings, Sharon Voellinger, Judy Alferman and David Johnson.

Bill enjoyed a long and successful career as a CIA analyst, retiring early and continuing to work for the agency as a traveling contractor. Prior to his government career, he served his country in the US Air Force, studying Russian and German and taking postings in Turkey and Germany. He had a special talent for languages and enjoyed putting those skills to use in his work. Bill's family benefited richly from his overseas CIA assignments in Japan, Thailand and Germany.

He was very dedicated to the idea of sharing his time and good fortune with others, and spent most of his adult life volunteering with organizations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He enjoyed assisting people in difficult times, helping them to access donated cars, appliances or home repairs to improve their quality of life. Many relatives, friends and neighbors received his generous support over the years as well.

He was a lifelong Catholic, a skilled builder and fixer of just about anything, a do-it-yourself home maintenance expert, and an avid river fisherman. He also loved spending time with his and Jocelyn's extended families, and you could find him outdoors most days, working in the yard and enjoying nature. He often remarked how living in the country fed his soul.

Bill spent the final months of his life in the kind care of Sunrise Senior Living Chesterfield, St. Croix Hospice and Senior Helpers staff.