Jerry Wade Johnson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Wade Johnson, 87, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, on March 29, 2026, from a terminal illness. Jerry was a beloved member of the community who loved performing in plays and singing at local venues including The Marc; Sycamore; Ash Grove; Marionville; the Senior Center and the Playground, a local bar in Mt. Vernon. His lighthearted teasing, playfulness, and constant desire to make others smile endeared him to many.

Jerry was born in Marionville, Missouri, on December 3, 1938, to Wade W. Johnson and Zeta Y. Johnson (née Gray). He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Hannelore E. M. Johnson (née Solf), and is survived by his daughter, Lori L. Pelar (née Johnson), and siblings Kenneth D. Johnson, Linda S. Parker (née Johnson), and David L. Johnson.

A natural leader despite his quiet nature at times, Jerry graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959. He served honorably for 20 years while stationed in Missouri; Virginia; Indiana; Texas; and Colorado; as well as in Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, Germany. A Vietnam Veteran, he oversaw important military financial operations during one of the most controversial conflicts in modern history. His decorations/awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars. After retiring from military service, Jerry continued his career with the Department of Defense finishing his civil service at DFAS‑Europe in Kaiserslautern, Germany. His intelligence and financial expertise were widely respected earning him numerous performance awards and the admiration of colleagues and mentees.

One of Jerry's greatest passions was the stage. Beginning as a stagehand, he eventually performed in productions at Fort Carson's Little Theater; at the Stagedoor Playhouse in Karlsruhe; and later with the Rebel's Bluff Troupe in Mt. Vernon. His roles included performances in The Pajama Game, A Thurber Carnival, Butterflies Are Free, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Twelve Angry Men, The Odd Couple, The Foreigner, The Servant of Two Masters, The Melting Pot, A Company of Wayward Saints, The Vegas Revue, Barbecuing Hamlet, The Mousetrap, Little White Lies, Don't Drink the Water, Shenandoah, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Robber Bridegroom, among others.

He also loved playing poker in the WSOP in Las Vegas as well as online, researching family genealogy, and staying active with the Mt. Vernon High School Alumni Association, where he produced newsletters and helped coordinate reunions for many years.

In his later years, singing became one of Jerry's greatest joys. His performances were frequently requested at community events, and he shared many recordings on Smule and Facebook. He also sang solos at Chesapeake Baptist Church.

Jerry met his soulmate, Hannelore, in Heidelberg, Germany, where a beautiful, flirty young woman playfully took his hat, placed it upon her head, and sang, "I'm just a lonely girl, lonely and blue. I'm all alone, with nothing to do." In that moment, as the German song says, he lost his heart in Heidelberg. Their love story became a lifelong partnership filled with deep affection, respect, and devotion, and together they welcomed a daughter who became their greatest pride and joy. Jerry and his wife also loved to travel. They traveled throughout the United States; Europe; and Kenya, Africa.

Jerry was loved and admired by many. While his passing leaves a profound void, the thought of his reunion with Hannelore brings comfort to his daughter and to all who knew him. In lieu of a memorial, Jerry wished for each person to honor him in a way that reflects their unique relationship with him. Friends may share memories, photos, or videos on his Facebook page for all to enjoy or may coordinate their own memorial in his honor.

His daughter will carry out his final wish to be buried at sea at the exact coordinates as his beloved wife in an intimate celebration of his life. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.