William E. "Bill" Johnson

William E. “Bill” Johnson of Hillsboro, Missouri, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 86. The eldest son of Earl M. and Nora C. Johnson of St. Louis, he was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife of 60 years, Jocelyn. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Hendler, Julie Johnson, and Will (Christy) Johnson, and by his five granddaughters, Caroline, Sarah, Emma, Katie, and Grace. He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon Voellinger, Judy Alferman, and David Johnson.

Bill enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a CIA analyst, retiring early yet continuing to serve the agency as a traveling contractor. Before entering government service, he honorably served in the United States Air Force, where he studied Russian and German and was stationed in Turkey and Germany. His exceptional talent for languages served him well throughout his professional life. His family was grateful for the rich experiences they gained from his overseas assignments in Japan, Thailand, and Germany.

Deeply committed to helping others, Bill devoted much of his adult life to volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He took quiet satisfaction in assisting those facing hardship by providing donated cars, appliances, and home repairs that eased their burdens. Relatives, friends, and neighbors alike often benefited from his generous and practical support.

A lifelong Catholic, Bill was a skilled builder and craftsman who could repair nearly anything. An avid do-it-yourself enthusiast and river fisherman, he cherished time spent with Jocelyn’s and his extended families. He could usually be found outdoors tending his yard and savoring the natural world, often saying that country life nourished his soul. In his final months, he received compassionate care from the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Chesterfield, St. Croix Hospice, and Senior Helpers.