Howard "Hod" W. Johnson

Howard “Hod” Johnson, 89, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 9:14 p.m.

Hod was born December 9, 1936 in Galesburg, the son of Elmer and Phoebe (St. George) Johnson. He attended Galesburg Schools.

Howard was quite a baseball standout in high school and was signed by the San Francisco Giants and played with them for a short while. He was inducted into the Galesburg Hall of Fame in 2000. Hod was a man who knew almost everyone, and everyone knew him.

Howard married Carol Olsen in Monmouth, Illinois. She was the mother of his children. He later married Cheryl Cramer on October 4, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hod had a love for playing golf at Bunker Links with his friends and carded several holes-in-one. He also loved his woodworking projects and made some great pieces of furniture. In later years, Hod’s greatest love was his home and caring for it. He could be found many days riding his John Deere Tractor.

He retired from Illinois Power in 1999 after 40 years of service. He always felt lucky to have worked for them. He also participated in various volunteer projects including Habitat for Humanity and the Galesburg Food Pantry. Hod was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #894.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; sons, Duane Johnson of Loxahatchee, Florida and Ronald (Rayleen) Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri; and daughter, Vicki (Rick) Lisa of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Richard Johnson of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and granddaughters, Kristen, Brittany, Megan, Lauren, and Ashley, and seven great grandchildren. Other survivors include his stepchildren, Ed, Todd, and John Cunningham, and Kelly Gambrel; many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Billy (Debbie) Feldhahn. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Lillian and Janet.

Cremation will be accorded. Memorial visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Scott Carnes officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Elks Lodge #894 Crippled Children’s Fund. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.