Dan “Butch” O. Johnson Jr.

Dan Otis Johnson Jr. “Butch”, 72, of Joliet, Illinois passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 at Morgan Park Healthcare in Chicago, Illinois. He was born on September 26, 1953 at Saint Joseph Hospital in Joliet to Dan Otis Johnson Sr. and Oriole Johnson.

Dan received his education in the Joliet Public School system, attending Eliza Kelly School, Washington Junior High School, and graduating from Joliet Township Central High School in 1971.  He was baptized and was a member of St. Mark C.M.E. Church before joining the United States Navy in 1972.  In his later years, he attended Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Dan proudly volunteered and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1972, serving his country honorably before being discharged.  Following his military service, he began a successful career as a Barber and Beautician.  Renowned for his exceptional skill, Dan was widely regarded as one of the best in his craft and was frequently sought after to conduct seminars and demonstrate professional techniques. 

He shared a life partnership with Jaqua Walker, and from this union he was blessed with two sons, Daniel (DJ) and Devonte and a daughter, Barbara Jean.

Dan was well known for having “the Gift of Gab” and could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone he met.  His quick wit, unique sense of humor, charm and charisma served him well in both his personal and professional life.  He deeply enjoyed family get-togethers and shared meals and he found joy in dancing and skating.  A skilled skater, Dan once served as a skate guard at the Aurora Skating Rink. As a teenager, he learned to impersonate James Brown and was often asked to perform for adults at some of the local night clubs.

Dan will be remembered for his warmth, confidence, and the lasting impression he made on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Daniel and god brother, James Jones.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Barbara Jean; a son, Devonte and several grandchildren.   He is also survived by his brother, Monte Moore Sr. (Betty) of Joliet, IL, his brother, Ronald Gadson (Marilyn) of Chicago, IL; his sister, Judy Johnson of Joliet, IL; his sister, Ruby Johnson Durham (Bruce) of Shorewood, IL and his brother, Tony Johnson of Chicago Heights, IL. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his step-dad, Albert Powell, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

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