Cole Johnson

Cole Alan Johnson, 29 of Beardstown, 10 days shy of his 30th birthday entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 29, 2022 peacefully at home with his mother by his side.

Although only 29 at the time of his death, Cole was determined to live a life filled with purpose.

At the age of 5, Cole was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but this did not deter an active childhood or mastering many talents. At a young age, Cole received not one but four belts through Tae Kwon Do, was a Cub Scout and won many ribbons sharing his photography and electronic displays through 4-H. He quickly developed a passion for sports but especially football. He was a devoted Beardstown Tiger and cherished the time spent on the field or side lines during his junior high and high school career. He was an avid Patriots Football and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan.

Cole’s education was an important role in his life. He was 2011 alumni of Beardstown High School and furthered his education by receiving his Associates Degree from Lincoln Land Community College in 2015, B.S. in Construction Management from Western Illinois University in 2017 and M.S. in Engineering Technology Leadership in 2019.

Cole was a man of many talents. He created Cole Johnson Design -CJD which was a 3D printing business creating many useful masterpieces. He also enjoyed collecting guns, knives, and canons in honor of his great grandfather Les.

Cole accomplished many things during his life. From 2003 to 2018, one of his greatest joys was being able to travel to 48 of the 50 great states with his mom, “bonus dad” Ralph, and sister by his side. In 2019, Cole, his mom, and sister took off and drove across Canada enjoying the beautiful scenery. He began hospice in May of 2022 but that did not stop Cole from taking more adventures. He was able to visit the Harley Davidson Museum, Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, Lake Superior, and across Mackinac Bridge. Then he was off to the Louisville Slugger Factory and the Corvette Museum. Finally, he escorted Taylor's family to their new home in Tennessee.

Cole liked to keep secrets including a very recent decision he made just last week when he was Baptized into the Christian faith.

Cole is survived by his mother Tina Weller (partner Mark Mutzbauer) of Beardstown; his father James (wife Jenny) Johnson of St. Charles, MO; his maternal grandmother Karla (husband Hank) Daubs of Mason City; his paternal grandparents Toni Taylor of Jacksonville and Roger Johnson of Wisconsin; his sister Taylor (husband Daymon) Reece of Tennessee and his niece Willow; three brothers Clay Johnson of St. Charles, MO, Jason (wife Rebecca) Weller of Chatham and his nephew Gage; and Joshua (wife Cara) Weller of Colorado and his nephew Elias; his uncle Shawn Daubs of Sherman, IL; his aunt Jerris Cross of Avon, Indiana; and his four legged sister Cleopatra.

Cole was committed to friendship and leaves behind two best friends Zeb Zillion and Ryan Griffin.

He was preceded in death by his maternal great grandparents Donald and Marguerite Huff and Norman and Joan Leonhard, his paternal great grandparents Leslie “Les” and Evelyn Taylor and Leon and Alberta Johnson, his maternal grandfather James Edward Huff, and his stepfather Ralph Weller, Jr.

The family will host a “Celebrating 30 Years” Tailgate and Weenie Roast from 3-6 PM Sunday, October 9, 2022, at his home located at 21 Wildwood St, Beardstown, IL 62618.

Cole requested that memorials be suggested to Beardstown Tiger Athletic Club for BHS Football Program (please memo BHS Football) or to Colwell Memorial Home to help with final expenses.  Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.