Duard D. Johnson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Duard Dwight Johnson was born August 18, 1938 to Frank and Linda E. Whitney Johnson in the community of Drynob, Missouri. He passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Lebanon North Nursing and Rehab at the age of eighty-six years, eight months and one day.
Duard grew up in the Drynob Community and graduated from Lebanon High School. He began his career as a mechanic with Montgomery Motors in Lebanon and was known for his ability to build hotrods. He had fast cars and was constantly working to make them faster.
On June 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Reeves. Shortly after they were married, they made their home in Anchorage, Alaska for several years where Duard was in the gasoline and oil business.
They returned to Lebanon and co-owned and operated Johnson Service Center and had the Conoco Distributorship for forty-three years. In all, Duard had nineteen gas stations and farm services and later branched out to the convenience store market with his is motto, “The Hottest Brand Going”.
He also had the Yamaha dealership and with his love for unique items and antiques, he opened the “Ozark Gift Shop” and later which evolved into the “Heartland Antique Mall”. He was also involved in Commercial Real Estate in Lebanon.
Duard professed his faith in God early in life and attended First Baptist Church of Lebanon and Community Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Linda Johnson; his loving wife of fifty-four years, Barbara on June 23, 2014; three sisters, Juanita, Buena and Joy; and one brother, Grady.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Rogers and her husband Dale of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandsons, Grady Lee Rogers and his wife, Alex of St. Louis, Missouri and Sean Whitney Rogers and his wife Brandy of St. Charles, Missouri; and two great-grandsons, Liam and Logan Rogers.
Duard was very active in the Lebanon business community and served on the Laclede County Department of Health Board of Directors, as well as the Lebanon/Laclede Library Board. He was instrumental in building the new library building. He also was on the founding board of the Mercy Foundation. Duard was very involved in the Ozarks Technical College (OTC) building in Lebanon.
Family was very important to Duard, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always generous and willing to help. Through the years, he encouraged his family and friends to excel and achieve their highest and best.
Duard will be remembered for his love for family, his work ethic and his bright business mind that placed him in the middle of many business deals in Lebanon. He was a good, honorable man who loved and trusted God, worked hard always and tried to do the right thing. His passing is sad for his family and friends, but rejoices in his homecoming where he is with his savior and other family members.
A visitation for Duard D. Johnson will be held Friday, April 25 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Holman Howe Funeral Home.
A memorial to the Mercy Foundation or the Lebanon/Laclede Library has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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