Obituary of Lester E. Johnson

Bedford Lester Gene Johnson, 77, of 301 R Street, Bedford, passed away at 8:28 pm on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born August 8, 1931 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of Lester H. and Arla V. (Wagner) Johnson. He married Ruth Kindred on January 20, 1951 and she preceded him in death on November 22, 1993. He later married Sondra Soni (Ray) McSoley and she survives. He was a locomotive engineer with the Monon Railroad over thirty years retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Donica Church of God, Bedford Masonic Lodge #14 F & AM and the Murat Shrine. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Sondra Soni Johnson of Bedford; one daughter, Kathleen Pearson and her husband, Stephen of Beavercreek, OH; two grandsons, Kyle Pearson and his wife, Katie Tuss of Brooklyn, NY and Air Force First Lieutenant Kory Pearson stationed at Eglin A.F.B. in Ft. Walton Beach, FL; three step-children, Michael Sowder and his wife, Kim, of Bloomington, IN, Karen Fair and her husband, Don and Melanie Rainey and her husband, Ed, both of Bedford; six step grandsons, Jason, Josh and Jacob Sowder, Logan Fair, Brian and Sam Rainey; one step great grandson, Nathaniel Sowder. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 20th from the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Kendall Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Donations Information The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Mable E. Ray Scholarship Fund. View Video Tribute