Johnny J. Bough's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Johnny J. Bough, age 73 of Charleston, was called to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 while at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 2800 University Drive in Charleston with Pastors Chris Prater and Pat Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the First Baptist Church Children's Programs. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Johnny was born on January 3, 1942 in Westfield, IL, a son of the late John and Ruby (Woodyard) Bough. He married Linda Melton on October 13, 1962 in Westfield and for 52 years they have experienced the blessings of a marriage and friendship with their Christian values as its foundation. In addition to Linda he is survived by two loving and devoted children, Lori Sawyer and husband John of Lerna, IL and Rick Bough and wife Leslie Schuemann of Fresno, CA; two grandchildren, Tia Sawyer and Josh Bough; a brother, Henry Bough and wife Janet and a sister, Linda "Sister" Chambliss, all of Charleston; and his extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jacob Bough and Jordan Bough; and a brother, Jerry Bough. Johnny was a 1960 graduate of Charleston High School. He always worked in the printing industry, first as a pressman for the Journal Gazette - Times Courier Newspapers, and later as a press supervisor for the Daily Eastern News at Eastern Illinois University, a position he held and enjoyed for 23 years. Johnny was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Charleston where he faithfully served as a deacon, children's Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and was a member of the pulpit committee. He also served on the board of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Especially since his retirement Johnny developed a love for the game of golf and was a member at Bent Tree Golf Course. He and Linda used to enjoy riding motorcycles with their friends, but most recently it was his little red Mustang convertible that was his favorite mode of transportation. Johnny's faith was witnessed each and every day through his actions. His qualities of honesty, kindness, compassion, generosity and unconditional love nurtured many wonderful friendships and touched a broad spectrum of lives, both young and old. Johnny never met a stranger - his sense of humor accompanied by his grin often created laughter and smiles for those around him, and his warm and inviting presence brought a sense of comfort and acceptance. Johnny was a leader and he knew the best way to teach and lead was by example. He was a positive role model for his children and grandchildren as well as for others. Johnny was loved by all and he will be dearly missed by his family, as well as his church family and many friends. He leaves for all of them a treasure chest filled with happy and memorable times shared. All that knew Johnny will agree with Linda when she says: "He was the best you're gonna find!" Click to view Johnny's memorial video.
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