Hershel Johns

Harry Hershel Johns, 88, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home July 23, 2018. He was born August 25, 1929 in Sparta, Missouri to Ralph and Agnes Johns. He resided in Ozark for the past 59 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Ozark. Hershel began his home building career in the Springfield area in 1959. In 1967 he joined Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Springfield, he became a member of the HBA Board of Directors in 1975 and continued to serve as a Life Board Member. In 1977 Hershel joined the National Association of Home Builders Board of Directors and attended the national board meetings representing the HBA of Greater Springfield. During his building career, he built more than 400 homes and developed ten subdivisions. He enjoyed visiting area schools on career days to discuss career opportunities in the construction industry. Hershel received a lifetime achievement award from Springfield Contractors Association in November 2017. Hershel loved traveling, from representing the HBA in China to hiking the Himalayas. Hershel also made several trips searching for information regarding his brother's WW2 plane crash site. Hershel was successful and in 2011 he led a family adventure to a special recognition event for the plane crew. This led to a wonderful memorial in Lessard-et-le-Chene, France for future visitors. Hershel is survived by his wife of 26 years, Colleen Pemberton; daughter Wanda and husband Tom Foster of Ozark; daughter Brenda and husband Dr. R. Gregory Lande of Florida; grandson Galen Lande of Davenport, FL; step-daughters Connie Simpson, Debbie and husband Dave Heatherington, Tonya and husband Paul White; step-grandchildren Shawn and husband Chet Morrisett, Debi Cathey, Emanuel Chalavrezakis, Colleen and husband Chris King, Samantha Simpson, Daniel White and wife Julie; step-great grandchildren Brandi and husband Adam Conaster, Andi Morrisett, Malachi Williams, Dylan Cathey, Lucy White; nephews Danny Johns and wife Jenny, Rick Johns, Jack House and wife Robin; nieces Cathy and husband Terry Bumgarner, Cindy and husband Faron Adamson, Debra and husband Mike Owensby and a number of great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Pauline House; parents Ralph and Agnes Monger Johns; brothers Charley Manford Johns and I.J. Johns and wife Susie; stepson Dustin Simpson; niece Carolyn Johns Daugherty; great-nephew Matthew Bumgarner. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. The family will receive friends after the memorial service. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Cancer Research Institute in lieu of flowers.