Anthony Johnson Sr.

Anthony Francis “Tony” Johnson entered the world on February 25th, 1944 and passed away at the age of 81 on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. Loving husband of Margaret Mary Johnson (nee Tivoli), beloved son of the late John Edward Johnson and Edythe Ruth Johnson (Endicott) and son-in-law of the late Dominic
and Rose Tivoli (nee Ruffino).

Big things have small beginnings, and Tony’s family began with the marriage to his Poopie of nearly 59 years. An unlikely union some might say, impulsive problem solver in need of unconditional love meets cautious analyzer raised to be a relentless companion… but Tony and Mags just made sense. Tony spent every waking moment making sure the people he loved were taken care of, and in time “his people” grew. Anthony is the cherished father of Anthony Johnson Jr.(Beth), Michelle Gotsch (Steven), and Martin Johnson (Stephanie). Anthony was “papa” to Rachel Schirmer (Colin), Gabby Stremlau (Tim), Lucas Johnson, Trent Johnson, Mia Gotsch, Logan Johnson, and Hayden Johnson. Brother to Jack Johnson (Carole), Kathy Reiter (Ken), Joanne Darabcsek (Ken), and Terry Buffa (Joe).

In 1965 Anheuser Busch hired one of the hardest working twenty-one year olds they’d ever come across, and over the next 39 years AB became a part of Tony’s identity, but it wasn’t his passion- Tony’s true passion was his family. Eternally generous, caring, and most important, funny. 8624 Clifton Ave. was a place of laughter, and every home he occupied was left with his imprint. New walls, plumbing, electric… there was nothing Tony couldn’t do and it was all selftaught. He was a man of great skills and every day we marveled at both what he could do and what he imagined he could do if just given a chance. Tony was an outdoorsman who loved fishing and animals of all kinds… well, most animals. If you were a big buck and in season you often found yourself slung upside down from a basketball hoop. Tony loved history, guns, and amassing old things, a special connection with his beloved dad. But Tony’s favorite thing to collect were his interactions with people. The guy at Costco, the Amazon girl, the little old lady at Walmart who he insisted on helping with her groceries despite being older than her. Tony loved engaging with everyone he encountered, especially if you were busting your hump, because Tony was the ultimate champion of the underdog. If you were struggling or in need he would give you the camouflaged shirt off his back. No thought of himself.

The legacy of Tony is one of loyalty, friendship, and amazing breakfasts cooked before anyone ever woke up. It’s building treehouses and breaking down boundaries. Approximately 108 billion people have been born on Earth since the beginning of time, but only a choice few can say they knew and loved Anthony Francis Johnson. If you’re reading this hopefully you were one of the lucky ones.

Memorials: In honor of Anthony, memorials may be made to: Make A Wish Foundation, in care of Pitman Funeral Home 1545 Wentzville Parkway Wentzville, Missouri 63385 

Family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville. 

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