Paul J. Johnson

          Paul Jennings Johnson, 87, retired Gibson City grocer was dead at 8:30 p.m. Monday July 2, 1984 after he was found near the Sangamon River (fishing).  Death was from natural causes.  His funeral was at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Randall Perry officiating.  Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery.  Pallbearers were James Radliff, Richard Young, Robert Peeken, Kenneth Simpson, Charles Crowley and Noel Hutchcraft.  Mr. Johnson was born January 27, 1897 in Hamilton County, Il., a son of William and Mary C. Williams Johnson.  He married Ruth Hutchcraft June 22, 1918 in Hamilton County.  She died October 5, 1876.  Surviving are a son Wayne of Long Beach, Miss.; two daughters, Doris Simpsen or Arrowsmith and Rachel Cowen of Richmond, TX; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Two sisters, five brothers and an infant grandson preceded him in death.  Mr. Johnson had lived in the Gibson City area for many years, operating a grocery store from 1945 to 1976.  He was also a farmer.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church.  He was a former city councilman, and was a member of Zoning Board of Appeals.