William Samuel Johnson

William's Obituary U.S. Veteran Johnson, William Samuel fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026. Beloved husband of Margaret Mary (nee Bessenbacher) for 69 wonderful years; loving father of Julie (Jim) Garvin, Janet (Tom) Heinemann, Jeanelle (Mark) Wiley; Jean (Gary) Hively; Bill (Jenny) Johnson; dearest grandfather to Jim, Mandy, Alyssa, Amelia, Tommy, Maggie, Karlee, Megan, Katherine, C, Jillian, Lindsy, Tucker, Olivia, Wyatt and was preceded in death by Charlie Wyatt Hively; dearest great grandfather to 30; dearest great-great grandfather to two: dear brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Bill was born and raised in Kansas City, MO by a single Mom. He played trombone in big bands during high school and college and contributed to family finances at an early age by helping to pay for school and living expenses before he was drafted into the army for the Korean war. Returning home as a War Veteran, Bill attended Kansas University and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. To the end, Bill was a die-hard Rock Chalk Jayhawk fan. Bill met the love of his life, Maggie, on a blind date in June of 1956 and they married on January 19, 1957. Their steadfast devotion to each other created a foundation of love and family commitment that transcends generations. Maggie’s nickname for Bill - Willy Sugar - exemplifies their 69 years of playful love for each other. Bill was a loyal employee for Southwestern Bell/AT&T for over 36 years. Bill and Maggie moved 15 times in 15 years as the company promoted Bill. He started his tenure as a lineman and ended on the management team negotiating national contracts with the Communications Workers of America. Those work transfers provided fun travel opportunities that Bill and Maggie took advantage of for their family and that adventurous travel spirit lives on in his children today. More importantly, Bill’s impeccable work ethic was instilled in each of his children. Bill loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting, music, and theatre events. He especially loved family vacations. Bill was a voracious reader. He and Maggie built a lake home for the entire family to enjoy which continues to this day and where so many fun memories were made. Bill’s unwavering love and commitment to his family and his Catholic faith were guiding principles throughout his life. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and his absence will be deeply felt. Services: Visitation will take place from 9:45-11:00 a.m. followed by Mass at St. Anselm Church, 530 South Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141 on Monday, January 12, 2026. Internment immediately following Mass at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 North Mason Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory or William S. Johnson to Evelyn’s House, in care of The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital; 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140; St. Louis, MO, 63110; or online at www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/Give-Hospice. Select “Evelyn’s House General Support Fund” and select the Tribute Information box to enter Bill’s name. This fund will support the comfort, support, and dignity to patients in their final journey.

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William Samuel Johnson

February 18, 1930 - January 5, 2026