Harold Duane Johnson

Harold Duane Johnson, beloved husband, father, and “Poppy,” passed away peacefully on Thursday December 4th , 2025, at his home in Springdale, AR at the age of 92. Harold was a native Arkansan, born January 12th, 1933, in Sonora, AR at his childhood Home to William Theodore Johnson and Sybil Merle Barnes Johnson. He was a graduate of Huntsville High School. In his early years, Harold operated and ran the labeling machine at Cain’s Canning Company off Hwy 71 in Springdale until he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 20. Prior to leaving for service, Harold married the love of his life, Willa, on August 29, 1953. Just weeks later, in September 1953, he left for the Army, serving two years during the Korean War. After coming home from the Army, Harold and Willa bought a brand-new home in Canoga Park, California, where they began building their life together with their first- born son, Michael, who was only five months old at the time. While living in California, they later welcomed two more children, Jo and Ricky, completing their family. Harold then started a remarkable career as a rocket engineer at Rocketdyne, where he worked for 18 years in fabrication and R&D. Harold and his team contributed to history by building Apollo motors and boosters for the moon missions. In 1971, Harold, Willa, and their children relocated from California back to Springdale Arkansas, where he continued his career at Danaher Tool Inc. until his retirement. Outside of work, Harold found joy in attending antique car and truck swap meets with friends, sharing his love for classic vehicles. Harold’s greatest passion was his faith and family. He gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 23 after coming home from the armed service. He was devoted to studying and reading his Bible, dedicated to prayer, and a faithful member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church for over 30 years. He cherished his church family and pastor deeply. Above all, Harold loved his family more than words could express. He was a beloved husband for 72 years, an amazing father to his three children, and the best Poppy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Michael Johnson, three siblings, William Dean Johnson, John C. “Jake” Johnson and Edith Louise Farmer. Survivors include his wife, Willa Dean Johnson of the home; two children, Jo Lynn Johnson of Springdale and Rick Duane Johnson and wife Teresa of Springdale; four granddaughters, Rachel Gage and husband Tommy of Springdale, Amber Davison and husband Matt Miles City, Montana, Tammy Johnson of Springdale and Mikayla Williams and husband Laquan of Springdale; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1pm at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church in Springdale with Pastor Clark Snow officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Friday at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. “Harold was a faithful man of God, a dedicated husband to his wife Willa, the best father to his three children, and the best Poppy to his grands and great-grands. He will be dearly missed, but we know he is walking the streets of gold in Heaven.” Memorials may be made to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 1000 N. Gutensohn Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Harold Duane Johnson

January 12, 1933 - December 4, 2025