Marvin Canonicaus (M.C.) Johnson Jr.

Marvin Canonicaus (M.C.) Johnson, Jr, age 87, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away on October 30, 2025, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born on July 7, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Marvin was the son of Erma and Marvin Canonicaus Johnson, Sr. He grew up in Jacksonville, Arkansas, and recently attended his 68th Class Reunion from Jacksonville High School. Marvin is survived by his devoted companion, Harriett Heuman, and her daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Greg Birk. He leaves behind daughters Jennifer Smith and Jill Eanes (John); stepdaughter Susie McNeely (Michael); and stepson Rodney Edwards (Brenda). He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Forrest Smith, Savannah Eanes, Linley and Austin McNeely, Logan Edwards, Caleb (Kristi), Rachel (Clay), Aaron (Linsey), and Adam Birk; and great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Johnson; his son, Todd Johnson; his parents; and his sister, Joyce Spann. Marvin was known for his quiet strength, kind spirit, subtle humor, unwavering work ethic, and deep love of God. He was a numbers guy with a remarkable memory for birthdates, grocery prices from decades past, sports statistics and more. He found joy in being with family, Sunday drives, cross-country road trips, Cardinal baseball, Razorback football, and a perfectly cooked steak. Marvin worked for 40 years at International Business Forms in Little Rock, Arkansas. One of Marvin’s greatest passions was church bus ministry, which he began in the 1970s at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. He later extended this calling to Pottsville Assembly of God in Pottsville, Arkansas, where he continued his mission with unwavering commitment. Over the years, Marvin faithfully logged more than 9,000 bus rider pickups, some of whom rode with him many times, and many who experienced church for the very first time. His ministry was far more than a bus ride; it was a bridge to faith, fellowship, and a sense of belonging. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 6th at 2:00 PM at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton, Arkansas with Pastor Michael McNeely officiating. A visitation will take place on Sunday, November 9th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a memorial service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Ford & Sons Funeral Home, located on Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff, third-floor doctors, nurses, patient care technicians, and assistants at Mercy Southeast Hospital for their compassionate and dignified care. Their kindness and gentle humor brought comfort in his final days. Marvin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations be made to one of the following organizations: Mercy Diabetes Education – Doctors Park at 573-339-0121, or to a church bus ministry of your choice in honor of Marvin’s lifelong dedication to helping others find their way to church.

Marvin Canonicaus (M.C.) Johnson Jr.

July 7, 1938 - October 30, 2025