David Johnson Jr.

David M. Johnson, Jr., 62, of Fayette, died unexpectedly, Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Klocks Island Park in Fayette. Visitation preceded the service on Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. Becker & Son Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting David’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

David Manuel, Jr., son of David Manuel, Sr. and Mary (Mansell) Johnson was born December 1, 1958, at the hospital in Lexington, Missouri. He received his education in the Napoleon-Wellington R-9 Schools. 

Following his education, he served in the Missouri National Guard. Duke worked as a welder for many years in Missouri, prior to working at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, which he retired from in 2015. 

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, was in a bowling league on Sunday and Tuesday evenings, NASCAR, was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kanas City Royals, and the Green Bay Packers, and loved spending time with his family, especially his great-nieces and great-nephews.

Duke is survived by his three sisters, Kay (Bill) Buchanan of Lexington, Missouri, Debbie (Tony) Treadwell of Wellington, Missouri, and Tammy Espey of Fayette; three nieces, Lindsey Espey, Ashley (Tony) Reisner, and Rebecca (Josh) Tegeler; nephew, Jeremy Johnson; three great-nieces, Aubree Espey, Lydia Tegeler, and Amarah Johnson; and two great-nephews, Marcus Reisner and Caleb Tegeler.

In addition to his grandparents and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Bob Hines and Marcus Espey.