Robert "Bob" C. Johnson

Robert Curtis Johnson, known affectionately as Bob, passed peacefully at the age of 79 under the care of Lightways Hospice of Joliet. He was born on July 10, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, and left this world on March 12, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and community service.

Bob's family was the cornerstone of his life. He joins in peace his father Curtis A. Johnson, mother Hattie Alabee Johnson, and cherished grandson Curtis Salvatore Johnson. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Hileman) Johnson; His son David (Robin) Johnson; granddaughters Jillian Johnson, and Chloe Johnson; Son Daniel (Shannon) Johnson; grandchildren, Justin (Blair) Johnson, Kaleigh (Brandon) Gee, and Benjamin Johnson; and great-granddaughters, Brynnleigh and Penelope Gee. Bob is also survived by his sister Linda (Ron) Robinson, her children Cindy Morris and Mark Meazel, two great-nieces, Monica Trevino and Laney Michel, as well as several great-great nieces and nephews. Bob regarded his wife's siblings and their spouses and children as his own family as well.

Bob attended elementary school in Dallas and high school in Mesquite, Texas. Following high school, he earned a radio engineer's license from Elkins Institute of Technology. Later in life he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA.

Bob's professional journey was rich and varied. Whether it was television, radio, videography, or DJ, Bob enjoyed working in the media. His main passion in all of this was photography, which earned him many awards. He served in other positions at Illinois Retina Association and Sheets Eye Foundation, and shared his knowledge as an instructor at Joliet Jr. College. Bob also had a great passion for cooking, eating and sharing meals, that was passed on to his family and will always be remembered.

A Lion at heart, Bob devoted nearly 40 years to the Lions Clubs, beginning his journey with the Downtown Odessa (Texas) Lion Club, later joining the Tinley Park Lions Club, and finally dedicating 30 years to the Crete Lions. He led with distinction as District Governor of District 1B Lions, Council Chairman for Lions of Illinois, and on the Boards of Trustees of the Lions of Illinois Foundation and Lions World Services for the Blind. His service extended nationally and internationally, including relief efforts in New Orleans post-Katrina and numerous charitable and service projects in Mexico.

He and Karen were well-traveled, visiting 40 States and 10 countries. Feisty until the end, Bob loved to joke and entertain family, friends, and even hospice care workers in his home always inviting them to share a taste of his favorite Gentleman Jack.

In his final act that embodied his wish to serve others, Bob generously donated his body to research. Public visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. with the family will be at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood IL, followed by a memorial service, including a Lions service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations in Bob's memory be directed to the Crete Lions Club, Lions of Illinois Foundation, or Lightways Hospice, Joliet Illinois.

Bob's life was a testament to the enduring power of selfless service and the strength of familial bonds. His memory will be cherished, and his impact felt for generations to come.