Phillip “Keith” Johnson, age 81, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Shady Oaks Health Care in Thayer.
Keith was born on September 26, 1943, in Alton, Missouri, to loving parents Paris and Elva (Sutton) Johnson. On December 22, 1962, he married Kay Johnson in Alton, and together they raised two children: Twila and Mike Johnson.
Keith and Kay were longtime business owners, operating Johnson Real Estate and Insurance in Thayer for many years. He also worked as an insurance adjuster for Barton County Mutual Insurance from 1984 until 1995, when health challenges led to his retirement. One of Keith’s proudest roles was serving as Municipal Judge for the City of Thayer from 1977 to 1997.
A man of many talents, Keith was both a licensed pilot and a gifted piano player. He received his first piano at age 12 and played with numerous musical groups throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Harbor of Hope Church in West Plains, Missouri, attending regularly until his health no longer allowed.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Paris and Elva Johnson; his brothers Nolan, Glen, Dean, and Ken Johnson; and his granddaughter, Chelsea Johnson.
He is survived by his children, Mike (Tracy) Johnson and Twila (David) Simmons; grandsons Brett (Keara) Johnson, Logan (Kaitlyn) Johnson, and Mark (Claire) Moyer; great-grandchildren Blake, Karlee, Lukas, Nate, Reece, and Granger Johnson, and Camilla and Russell James Moyer; the mother of his children, Kay Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith will be remembered for his service to the community, and the music he shared with so many.
Memorials can be sent to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorials Processing
St. Jude Children’s Research Hosptial
501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN, 38105
Officiating will be Brother Junior Andrews. Pallbearers will be Mike Johnson, David Simmons, Brett Johnson, Logan Johnson, Mark Moyer and Jim Johnson.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
Funeral will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Cave Springs Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.
Services are in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri
September 16, 2025 @ 12:04 pm
Mile. Tracy, Brett/Keara & Families, and Logan/Kaitlyn & Families,
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Mike’s Father, Keith. So very sorry. May God provide peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement to all of you. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
September 16, 2025 @ 7:44 pm
Mike and family sorry for loss of your Dad. Prayers for you during this time.
Noble and Donna
September 16, 2025 @ 8:53 pm
Very sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. I was fortunate to have gotten to know him a number of years ago when I was playing music and he was playing piano. He was always witty and fun to be around and we knew a lot of the same people from his age group. He had lots of stories to tell. May God bless and comfort you.
September 17, 2025 @ 5:34 am
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and Prayers in your time of sorrow.
The Alsup s
September 17, 2025 @ 12:27 pm
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Keith. His music and stories were always a blessing to us at Harbor of Hope. Prayers for your family in this time of sorrow.
September 17, 2025 @ 7:53 pm
Thoughts and prayers 🙏 for all the family. I always enjoyed visiting with Keith, such a nice man