Thomas Johnson, age 77, passed away on February 16, 2026, at his home in Sikeston, MO.

Thomas was born on May 6, 1948 in Dyersburg, TN to the late Louise Johnson Murphy.

Thomas married Carol LaRue Wilson on August 12, 1967. She preceded him in death on June 15, 2019.

In 1967 Thomas graduated from East Prairie High School then was drafted into the US Army and served in the Vietnam War.  He came back home in 1968 after being injured in active duty. He received a Purple Heart and an Honorable Discharge. He had worked for Granite City Steel Mill, Monsanto, and as a Representative for Delta Growers Coop. He was a respected and hardworking business owner in the community. He proudly owned Bootheel Seed Feed and Supply in East Prairie, MO, where he served local farmers and neighbors with honesty and dedication. In addition to the seed business, he operated a cotton picking venture and, for a time, a real estate business as well. His innovative spirit led him to patent the bag hoppers used at his seed company-just one example of his practical ingenuity and forward-thinking mind.

A true craftsman at heart, Thomas had a gift for building and creating. He enjoyed tinkering and "piddling" around the house, always finding a project to improve or something new to construct. From barn doors and playhouses to shops and sheds, there was seemingly nothing he could not build. His hands shaped wood into lasting structures, but more importantly, they built memories for his family that will endure for generations. When he wasn't working, he found peace in fishing, enjoying the quiet reflection and simple joys of the outdoors.

He is survived by one son, Courtney Thomas Johnson (Lana Parr); one daughter, Nikki LaRue Russell; two grandchildren, Levi Russell (Kelsey Jenson) and Brittney Lambert (Josh Simon); three great-grandchildren, Tra'von Turner, Ney'co Wright, and Jay'dion Simon; one brother, Robert Murphy; two sisters, Alpha (Dave) Manker and Susie (Johnny) Warren ; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife and his mother, he was preceded in death by one brother, Roger Murphy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, MO. Funeral services will be the following day, Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12 p.m.

Interment will follow at Dogwood Cemetery in Dogwood, MO with full military honors.