Mearl Johnson, Jr

     Mearl Leon Johnson Jr., age 77, of Nevada, MO, passed away at his home on Monday, June 29, 2026.  Mearl was born January 14, 1949, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of Mearl Leon Johnson Sr. and Mary Evelyn (Fritter) Johnson.  On May 27, 1988, he was united in marriage to Vena Lea Crownover in Independence, Missouri. 

   Mearl graduated from Fort Scott High School and he and his first wife, Arlene, raised three children. He spent most of his working life in commercial construction, where he especially loved to operate the backhoe.  Mearl was a past member of the Eagles and Elks Lodges.   He had a passion for race cars, hot rods, and motorcycles.

     Survivors include his wife, Vena Johnson, of the home; his children, Angela Ligason, Peculiar, MO, Scott Johnson, Nevada, MO, and Chris Johnson, Raymore, MO; his grandchildren: Shelby, Devin, Bianca, Jasmine, Skyler, and Paige; one great-grandchild, Sirena; a half-sister, Jolene Price;  and several nieces and nephews.

     Mearl was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leon Johnson; and one sister, Nancy Fox.

     The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home.   Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Cemetery, Nevada, with Stephen Flanery officiating.

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