EDDIE JOHNSON

Memorial service for Eddie Johnson, 81, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Resthaven Cemetery.

Mr. Johnson died Nov. 7. He was a long-time insurance agent and civic leader in Jacksonville. He started Johnson Insurance Agency in 1950 in his living room. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon, elder, commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, president of the Men's Council and the Boy Scout committee. He served in the Army in World War II, was president of the Kiwanis Club and commander of the American Legion.

He joined the Masonic Lodge at the age of 21 and recently received his 60 year diamond pin. He held every degree a Mason can ask to receive in Scottish Rite, York Rite, Chapter and Council, Commandery and Shrine.

He was elected to the Jacksonville City Council at the age of 26 where he served two terms during which term Jackson Street was widened, work began on construction of the overpass and the construction of Lake Jacksonville. He was the only non-Baptist member of the board of directors of Newburn Hospital and the only non-Methodist member of the Lon Morris College board of directors.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson of Jacksonville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, John E. and Brenda Johnson of Covington, La. and Alan R. Johnson of Jacksonville; four granddaughters and their husbands, Jacqueline and Kyle Hollowell of Frisco, Candace Johnson of Dallas, Leigh Anne and Duane Barber and Heather and Tyson Metzig, all of Jacksonville; their mother and her husband, Kay and Sterling Steelman of Jacksonville; eight great-grandchildren; and his dog, Daisy Mae. If desired memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4110 University Blvd, Tyler 75701 or Cancer Foundation for Life, P.O. Box 8257, Tyler 75711.