Ronald Johnson

Ronald Johnson Ronald Johnson, affectionately called “Ronnie” and “Ron”, was born on November 20, 1950, to Theoplis and Juanita Johnson (nee Doss) who both preceded him in death. Ronald was educated through the St. Louis public school system. He attended Bates Elementary School and Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He excelled in gymnastics, karate, and football during his adolescent and teenage years. His biggest interest, carpentry, began at a young age while helping his mother take on small repairs around the family home.

Ronald entered the work force while in high school, working odd end jobs to assist the household while growing up. He remained in the workforce after high school and his love for carpentry became his favorite hobby, even after he was hired at McDonnell Douglas. Ronald became an avid reader of the Bible, reading it while at work on many breaks. While working at McDonnell Douglas, Ron started taking classes at Ranken Technical College and earned a degree in carpentry, which was one of his proudest achievements. He graduated at the top of his class and was later recognized by Ranken as one of their successful alumni at an award ceremony.

His love for carpentry became his favorite pastime, rehabbing many family and friend’s homes. He became well known for his knowledge and craftsmanship throughout the community. After gentle tugs from his Mom letting him know that the church needed his service to do repairs, Ron began to volunteer at St. Teresa of Avila. This was the beginning of Ronald’s love for his church family. In 1993, Ron was asked to return to McDonell Douglas, but he respectfully declined the position and pay raise to accept full time employment as Plant Manager of St. Teresa of Avila. He devoted over 30 years of service to the church and the surrounding community.

Ron was blessed to welcome into this world his three children, Ronald Craig Johnson (1968) and twins, Crista Ryan Johnson and Ronald Johnson (son) (1977). He was a very proud father, but his proudest title was that of “Paw Paw” to his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His family was the center of his life until his final hours.
In 1993, St. Teresa’s church combined parishes with neighboring St. Bridget of Erin Church to form Sts. Teresa and Bridget Church. In addition to being a faithful church member and plant manager, Ron assumed many more positions throughout the church, namely president of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, he spearheaded the Maintenance Committee, he was instrumental in the Winter Outreach Program, and he assisted with multiple youth programs earning him the nickname “Uncle Ron” to many of the youth. During this transition, Ron met his future wife, Wanda Underwood. They were joined in holy matrimony in December 2013. Together, they enjoyed many travels, including several cruises, hot air balloon rides, and multiple vacations abroad. He enjoyed life even while battling multiple health problems in his later years. Ron departed this life peacefully on February 27, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Craig, and brothers, Bruce and Larry Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Wanda Johnson; children, Crista, Ronald (Chastity), Erica, and Crystal; grandchildren, Aerial, Dantoine Jr., Kayla, Kourtnie, Noah, Miles, Greyson,
Kinsley, Knox, and Taylor; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Reginald (Evelyn), Carl, Pamela Sutton (Sonny), Carol Marley, and Beverly Nichols; sister-in-law, Janet Johnson; brother-in-law, Clyde Cross; and many other family members, friends, and his entire church community.

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