Lawrence A. “Buck” Johnson, 89, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Meyer Care Center. He was born Wednesday, December 30, 1936, in Higginsville to August Johnson and Goldie (Whittmeyer) Johnson. As a child, Buck attended a small rural schoolhouse on Jennings Road in Higginsville. He left school early to join the United States Air Force and later earned his GED while enlisted. Buck proudly served his country from 1955 to 1959.
On January 30, 1959, he married Carol (Staton) Johnson, and together they shared 67 years of marriage filled with love, dedication, and family. Buck worked for Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing for more than 30 years building farm combines. Buck witnessed his two brothers retire and pass away shortly after due to not staying busy. After retiring from Allis-Chalmers on a Friday, Buck returned right back to work the following Monday with the Kansas City Chiefs in the maintenance department. Buck was known as a hard worker who liked to stay busy.
Buck was very involved with the local Boy Scout troops and spent many years working with and mentoring young people through scouting. Buck also gave his time delivering Meals on Wheels and participated in Relay for Life, helping raise awareness in the fight against cancer.
Buck was a member of First Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling on mission trips to places such as Jordan and Mexico, where he was able to serve others and share his faith. Buck was a kind and generous man who will be remembered for his strong work ethic, willingness to help others, and devotion to his community.
Surviving are his wife, Carol Johnson, of the home; two sons, Lawrence “Butch” (Barbara) Johnson II of California, Missouri and Ryan (Nikki) Johnson of Higginsville; two daughters, Teresa Loges of Higginsville and Linda (Brian) Cooper of Higginsville; one sister, Lorene Himes of Oklahoma City, OK; ten grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Leonard, Ernest, Roy, and Richard Johnson; three sisters, Marion Need, Betty Bell, and Mabel Goring; as well as three baby siblings – infant twins and an infant baby girl.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO. A funeral service with a Tribe of Mic-O-Say ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 1907 Peach St. Higginsville, MO. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
Casket Bearers: Drew Johnson, Lawrence Johnson III, Kevin Loges, Adam Johnson, Rick Johnson, Roy Lee Johnson, Doug Lorenz, Danny Rogge. Honorary Casket Bearers: Denise Loges, Lauren Oster, Bailey Cooper-Gremmel. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or Lafayette County Cancer Coalition or Boy Scout Troop 415.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
