Paul Bernard Johnson, 75

Paul Bernard Johnson, 75, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Bothwell Regional Health Center. He was born June 27, 1937, in Sedalia, a son of the late Dennis Reid and Josephine (Lutjen) Johnson.

Paul was raised and educated in Sedalia, graduating from Smith-Cotton High School in 1955. Throughout the 1950s, he was the best pool player in town. He served his country honorably in the US Army in Berlin, during the Berlin Crisis in 1961.

Paul was a career postal employee, serving as Postmaster of Edina, MO, a position he held many years until he retired in 1992. He held memberships in VFW Post 2591, Elks Lodge 125 and the Sedalia Shrine Club. He loved classic country music and the steel guitar. Paul was a lifelong gambler and was very good at it. He had a funny saying for every situation and no one had a way of expressing things quite like Paul did. Good times with friends and family were the highlights of his life.

He is survived by a son, Kevin Johnson, of Sunset Hills; a daughter, Jaime Johnson, of Santa Fe, TX; a brother, David R. “Ace” Johnson, of Kansas City, MO; and a granddaughter, Jaiden Johnson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Donna Whitfield; and a former spouse, Jacquie Johnson.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 28, 2012, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ted Francis officiating. Pallbearers will be Richard Robinson, Freddy Boyer, Jason Bodenstab, Jordan Bodenstab, Brad Bottcher and Jerry Bottcher. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted at graveside by VFW Post 2591. Casual attire is requested.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

There will be a Celebration of Paul’s Life at the VFW Post 2591, 2nd & Ohio, on Saturday evening from 7-10 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in care of the funeral chapel. Condolences may be offered online at mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.