Galen Benjamin Johnson

Galen Benjamin Johnson, 87, of Louisiana, MO, passed away on August 10, 2023, surrounded by his family at Caring Hearts and Hands Home of Columbia, MO. Galen was born Oct. 13, 1935, in McPherson, KS, to Clifford Johnson and Florence (Calvin) Johnson. In 1941, Galen’s family moved to Haven, KS, where he graduated from Haven High School in 1953. On June 9, 1956, Galen was united in marriage to Freida (Kindley) Johnson, the love of his life. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving active duty from June 1958 to June 1960. During that time, he and Freida were stationed in Heidelberg, Germany and had the opportunity to travel Europe. Galen’s experiences in the military personified his love of country, a dedication to serve others, and a passion for travel—recurring themes throughout his long life. He also became a dedicated family man on Aug. 20, 1961, when Galen and Freida welcomed their daughter, Lori to the world. The family remained in Haven until 1979, when Galen’s work with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline took him to the company’s plant in Pleasant Hill, IL. They settled into nearby Louisiana, MO, where Galen and Freida remained for 44 years, growing deep roots within the community. In 1992, Galen retired from a decorated career at PEPL. However, retirement did not mean settling down—sitting at home was simply not in his nature. Galen embarked on a second career, working for Collier Funeral Homes, Inc. in Louisiana, MO and Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green, MO. He assisted the funeral homes in a number of ways, helping to make difficult times for those in grief much easier. It was a calling he was meant for and brought him great joy. Galen had many passions outside of work—cars (so many cars), fixing things, fishing, and hunting. Later in life, Galen developed an insatiable appetite for golf. Some of his most fantastic post-retirement memories were spent with the “senior golfers” at Pike County Country Club. He and Freida also loved hitting the open road and seeing everything towns big and small had to offer. They spent many winters in Alabama and Florida, making friends at every stop. While his love for activities was immense, his most notable passion was people. Galen enjoyed listening to others as much as he did telling tales. He had a natural warmness and easy manner that made anyone in his presence comfortable. No one was a stranger in Galen’s presence. And the people he loved most felt his sunlight most deeply. For 67 years of marriage, he adored Freida and savored every moment they spent together. Galen took immense pride in Lori’s personal and professional achievements. And he would tell anyone who would listen about his grandson Kyle, who is embarking on a career as an educator. He inherited a family when Lori and Roger married in 1991 and welcomed grandson David as his own. Galen was fond of children, as evidenced by his love for his three great-grandchildren, Logan, Jackson, and Elise. Galen is survived by his wife, Freida; daughter Lori Sprague (Roger) of Columbia, MO; grandchildren Kyle Johnson Sprague of Columbia, MO, and David Sprague (Jessica) of Columbia, MO; great-grandchildren Logan, Jackson, and Elise. He is also survived by sister, Kay (Johnson) Huston of Hutchinson, KS. Galen is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clifford and Florence Johnson. Friends will be received during a visitation from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with the service immediately following at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 at the Collier Funeral Home, 117 Barnard Drive, Louisiana, Missouri. Private graveside service will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, MO, on Aug. 18th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Caring Hearts and Hands, 1307 West Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203 or can be made online at caringheartandhands.org Arrangements are under the direction of Collier Funeral Homes, Inc., Louisiana, MO.

Galen Benjamin Johnson

October 13, 1935 - August 10, 2023