Jared E. Johns, 83, of White Heath, IL, formerly of Washington, IL passed away Saturday (May 8, 2010) at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 17 at Glendale Cemetery, Washington, IL. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Johns was born December 27, 1927 in Lawrence, Kansas to Dorothy and Perry Johns. He married Bonnie February 26, 1951. She survives. Also surviving a sister Ruth Nelson of Indianapolis, IN; son Will (Valerie) Johns of Nashville, TN; daughter Alice (Ken) Simpson of Grand Island, NE; daughter Susan Johns of Boulder, Co; son Bryan (Elizabeth) Johns of White Heath IL; and grandchildren Emmett Holloway, Ben Holloway, William Simpson, Mark Johns, Megan Johns, and Rachael Johns. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Diana Johns, and son-in-law Peter Bailey-Britton.

Mr. Johns spent his formative years in Peoria, IL, and graduated with the Peoria High School class of 1944. He attended the University of Illinois, interrupted by a stint as a pharmacist's mate in the US Navy in World War II, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1949. Most of his working life was devoted to Caterpillar, starting in the foundry and culminating as news director for Caterpillar Americas, a marketing arm for Caterpillar in Canada and Latin America. He traveled extensively for Caterpillar throughout North and South America and frequently passed for a native Costa Rican due to his impeccable Spanish flavored by a Costa Rican accent.

Mr. Johns served as a commissioner on the Washington, IL Park District Board, and was active in regional activities of the Boy Scouts of America. He was for many years a member of Washington Presbyterian Church, held many offices including elder, deacon and clerk of session, and sang in the choir. He later became a member of Monticello Presbyterian Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

Mr. Johns loved history and had the ability to recount obscure facts regarding significant past events and people. He could quote long passages from the Bible, often to the amazement of clergy.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the ministry of the Monticello Presbyterian Church and for the kindness of volunteers from Faith in Action. The family requests no flowers - good thoughts only.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.