Burnice Johnston

Burnice L. “John” Johnston, 74, of Buckner, MO passed away Friday, August 14, 2015. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00p.m. Monday, August 17th at Speaks Buckner Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, August 18th at the chapel. Burial will be at Buckner Hill, MO.
John was born January 26th, 1941 to Bert F. and Lela I. (Larimore) Johnston in Marshall, MO. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1958-61, posted mainly in Germany. In 1961 he met his future wife, Betty L. (Lear). They started their life in Sedalia, MO. He worked on the missile sites until he got a job at Lake City Arsenal. John also worked for Remington, Olin, and ATK over the course of thirty three years. He was also a reserve policeman in Buckner and Levasy and Chief of Police at Lake Lafeyette. He and his wife owned and operated an antique shop called Granny’s Attic for several years in Buckner. He was Past Master of Buckner’s Masonic Lodge 501 and endowed member. He was also a member of Scottish Rite and Ararat Shriners. John helped in establishing the Buckner Baseball League and coached numerous teams. He enjoyed supporting the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls with his children.
He leaves behind his wife, Betty; and to this union they had two children; Teresa Gates (Jeff) and Bert (Lisa); five grandchildren, Megan (Brian), Jonathan, Cody, Matthew, and Hanna; one great granddaughter, Natalie; and sisters, Lela Huckaby and Leana Havner. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Buckner Chapel 816-650-5555)