Lester Francis Johnson

Lester Francis Johnson, 85, died October 20, 2026 peacefully at home in Kennesaw, GA surrounded by family. Born June 13, 1941, and raised in Aurora, Illinois, Lester was one of five children. His life was shaped early by the steady values that would define his life—devotion to those he loved, a generous spirit, and a kind-hearted way of meeting the world.

A gifted student-athlete, he graduated from West Aurora High School in 1959, earning recognition as an All-State quarterback and serving as captain of basketball team during his senior year. In those formative years, he also met the love of his life, Martha Lynn Demien, beginning a partnership that would become the center of his life’s story. Lester later attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri on a football scholarship.

Lester served in the US Marine Corp, carrying forward a sense of duty and commitment that remained evident in the way he showed up for family, friends, and community—quietly, faithfully, and with an open hand.

Survivors include wife of 62 years, Martha Lynn Johnson; children, Kelly Jo Johnson and Joel Patrick Johnson (Michelle); 3 grandchildren, Christopher Cody Molinaro, Patrick Ross Johnson, and Cassidy Nicole (Molinaro) Burke; 7 great-grandchildren, Aurora, Georgia, Rowdy, Tanner, Cooper, Waylon, and Bristol; and sisters, Judy Booth, Marge Jones, and Colleen White.

He was preceded in death by parents, Lester and Margaret Johnson; brother, William Johnson; niece, Julie Booth; two nephews, Jeffrey Booth and Michael Johnson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruth Thora Demien and Alfred Ronald Demien; and his brother-in-law, Alfred Carl Demien.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:30 am at First United Lutheran Church, 3481 Campus Loop Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Veteran’s Association or First United Lutheran Church.

Please share memories and condolences with the Johnson family at www.nationalcremation.com.