Byron Herbert Johnson, Jr., 70, of Belleville, IL, born June 15, 1954, in Chicago, IL, died Sunday, March 2, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Byron proudly served as a machinist mate for the United States Navy. He was a service-disabled vet and a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Byron was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL. He loved animals, was quick to help others, and a volunteer school crossing guard. He was a talented woodworker, tinkerer, and handyman who could fix anything. Byron loved cars, enjoyed coffee, and had a passion for RV’s and glamping.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carl T. and Patricia, nee Templeton, Zwanzig; his sister, Verda Kay; and brother-in-law, David Cline.
Surviving are his loving wife of 43 years, Dorothy I. Johnson, nee Daesch, whom he married on December 19, 1981; his sons, Michael D. Semrau, Mark R. (Melissa Pelt) Semrau, and Byron H., III, (Jessica) Johnson; four grandchildren, Angel Semrau, Amber (Chelsey) Semrau, Lisa Semrau, and Julia Pelt; two great-grandchildren, Logan and Ethan; his brother, Preston (Gina) Zwanzig; his sister, Charisse O’Neil; dear sisters-in-law, Darleen Daesch-Cline and Dixie (Robert) Guenther; as well as many dear nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or to the Christ United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Jon Tinge officiating.
Burial with military honors will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
