M.L. Beezer Johnson

M. L. Beezer Johnson, age 94, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Franklin, IN, where he had been a resident for many years. 

Beezer was born April 3, 1928 in Johnson County, IN to Edgar and Eliza (Hicks) Johnson. He was the youngest of ten children, who all preceded him in death. His siblings were: Opal Storms, Orris Johnson, Catherine Kellams, Virgil Johnson, Floyd Johnson, Lucille Zook, Thomas Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Delbert Johnson. Beezer had a second family, an aunt, uncle, and cousin (Ethel & Scott Hickey and Betty Lou (Maurice) Clark of Trafalgar). He lived with the Hickeys during high school, the Navy, and college years.

Beezer graduated from Morgantown High School and Franklin College. He also attended I.U. Extension, Indiana Central College, Central Business College, and School of Hard Knocks. He served in the U.S. Navy. Lifetime opportunities were experienced at several occupations, too numerous to mention (from Ice Man to Pizza Delivery). Beezer was employed by Eli Lilly & Co. for several years and was the director of the Chamber of Commerce in Franklin.

Beezer was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Other former memberships included the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Franklin Kiwanis Club, Franklin College Board of Trustees, and Alumni Council.

He married Mary Lou Hickey in August 1951 in Newbury, IN. She preceded him in death on May 15, 2010. He is survived by their daughter, Carolyn (Mohammed) Ansari, three granddaughters, Shirin Ansari, Safia (Mamary) Diarra, Shahana Ansari, and five great-grandchildren, Ayesha Salazar-Ansari, Amina Salazar Ansari, Naima Diarra, Aziz Diarra, and Khadija Diarra. 

The Revs. Peter Jessen, Deb Baker and Andy Kinsey will conduct a Celebration of Beezer’s Life on Tuesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Madison Street in Franklin with military rites presented by the United States Navy and the Franklin Honor Guard. Friends are welcome to visit from 4 p.m. until time of service on Tuesday at the church. Calling hours were from April 3, 1928 - April 2, 2023. Funeral services have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

In lieu of flowers, Beezer wished for memorial contributions to be sent to the needy and hungry. The family have come up with the following suggestions for anyone unsure of where to donate: Wheeler Mission, United Way, Morgantown Food Pantry (PO Box 226, Morgantown, IN 46160) Johnson County Community Foundation or Hotels for Homeless Bloomington, IN.

Condolences may be made to the Johnson family at meredith-clark.com.

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