Carter L. Johnson

Carter L. Johnson passed away on March 17, 2025 after living with a severe traumatic brain injury for over 18 years. Carter was born on June 7, 1947 in Rockford, IL and grew up in Byron, IL, where he graduated from high school in 1965. During the Vietnam War, Carter served in the Marine reserves after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. He lived in Byron, IL for much of his life, where he was a much-loved father by his two children, Marnie Moist and Brett Johnson. Carter went out of his way to ensure that his children had every opportunity to live life to the fullest. He was also a very attentive caregiver for his two parents, Mabel L. and Donald B. Johnson, in their older years. Carter’s father built many structures in Byron including homes, apartments and businesses, and the Donald B. Johnson Riverside Park in Byron is named in his honor.

Carter worked for 20 years as a retail manager; one location he especially enjoyed managing was Silverman’s Men’s Wear. Carter passed up opportunities for promotion to District Manager so he could raise his two children as a single father. He was also a kind-hearted landlord of rental properties. For example, aside from regular repairs, he picked up medicine for an older tenant who was unable to get about easily. Carter was known by friends and family as a charismatic, excellent communicator, who loved and cared for others with deep compassion. He had an excellent sense of humor, which was still notable even in his later years. Carter Johnson is survived by his two children, Marnie and Brett, and his four grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Abbie, and Sam.

Family and friends who would like to participate in a Celebration of Life burial service, followed by dinner in Byron, IL in the Summer of 2025, should please use this online form to indicate interest: https://forms.office.com/r/adFfSr3qyy. At that time, Marnie and Brett will bring his urn home for interment in the Byron Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest near his parents and brother. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain Injury Association of America for raising awareness, research, and education: https://biausa.org/support/donate-your-way.