Beverly Hart "Budgie" Johnson

Beverly Hart “Budgie” Johnson, 83, of Rushville, passed away at 5:22 PM, Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born on July 24, 1933, in Pleasant View, Illinois, the son of the late Hart Forrest and Mable (Howard) Johnson.  He married Melba Crumley on October 29, 1952, at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Parsonage, in Rushville.  She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters Debra Logan and husband George of Virginia, and Dixie Jordan of Rushville, eight grandchildren Joey Logan Pugh, Nick Logan, Paul Rochester, Jake Rochester, Teddi Moorman, Shawn Willing, Sheri Hendrian, and Catrina Swenson, 13 great grandchildren, Carter Wilkey, Hannah Wilkey, Elizabeth Pugh, Jessica Logan, Jenny Logan, John Logan, Kylie Rochester, Maddi Rochester, Ben Rochester, Barrett Rochester, Wyatt Rochester, Kristopher Willing, and Kutter Willing, one sister Kathy Emerick of Quincy, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one son David Hart Johnson, three sisters Wanda Patton, Verna Boyd and Rosemary Utter.

Budgie graduated from Rushville High School Class of 1951.  In 1957, he graduated from the Illinois Police Academy and began his 14 ½ year career with the Illinois State Police.  Following this, he was a bus driver for Schuyler School District for 32 years, retiring due to ill health.

He was also known as a practical joker, who enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as spending time with his family.

Services will be at 1:00 PM Sunday, August 28, 2016, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Reverend Rob Kirkham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Rushville City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the Schuyler County Humane Society.