Thomas  Johnson, Sr., 81, of Defiance, passed away on  Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.

He was born on August 24, 1932 to Charles and Ora Johnson in Fulton, KY.   On December 16, 1987 he married Theresa (McClendon) Johnson and she survives.

Thomas was a US Army veteran serving in Germany.  He retired from GM Powertrain in 1998 after 30 years.  Thomas worked 15 years at Coffman's in E. St. Louis, IL as a stock man.   He was self-employed:  moving furniture, driving taxi, driving truck, hauling stone, moving snow and  doing carpentry and masonry.  Thomas was a member of VFW Post 3360.  He enjoyed  bowling.  Thomas loved his wife and children..

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Theresa, sons, Thomas Johnson Jr., Michael Pierson, Alex Johnson Sr., Emric Johnson, Mario Johnson Sr, Terrance Johnson, Timothy Johnson, daughters, Angela Garth, Trudie Lindsey, Rhonda  Brown, Lori Hall, Warletta Brookins, Towneer Gates, Latricia Carter, niece, Memorie McClendon of Defiance, 1 great niece, host of grandchildren &, great grandchildren, brother, Charles Johnson Jr. and sisters, Kaye Francis Grsham, Barbara Woods and Betty Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold Johnson and former wife, Edna W Johnson.

Friends may call at the Officer Funeral Home, East St. Louis, Illinois on Thursday, March 20th from 6-8 pm.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21st  in East St. Louis,Ill, at the Officer Funeral Home at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice .

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com. as well as www.officerfuneralhome.com.