Date Posted: 2008-01-10

Francis John “Johnny” Anthony, 92, of rural Lexington, died Thursday, January 10, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

He was born March 10, 1915, on the family farm northwest of Lexington, Nebraska, to Luther Francis and Elizabeth (Peters) Anthony.

Johnny attended rural Dawson County District North #22 school and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1933. He was united in marriage to Lois Wells on September 1, 1945, at Grant, Nebraska. Two sons were blessed to this union; Clifford John and Russell Vernon.

Johnny was a “man of the land” he farmed and ranched his entire life and enjoyed his vocation. He was a charter member of the Plumcreekers Riding Club and the T-Bone Club. He enjoyed attending his boys’ activities when they were growing up, but especially loved being with his grandchildren. He taught each of his grandchildren how to drive and they each cherish those memories. He enjoyed horseback riding and being a member of the “Dirty Dozen” card group.

One thing Johnny really enjoyed doing was jumping in his red Jeep Cherokee with his beloved dog, Morgan, and driving through the countryside. He will be so very missed.

Survivors include his wife: Lois Anthony of Lexington, Nebraska

Two sons: Clifford (Deb) Anthony of Lexington, Nebraska
Russell (Pam) Anthony of Wellington, Colorado

One brother: Robert (Mary Jane) Anthony of Lexington, Nebraska

One sister: Hazel Anthony of Lincoln, Nebraska

Four grandchildren: Sandra Anthony of Kearney, Nebraska; Kelly (Ben) Kinnison of Kearney, Nebraska; John Anthony of Fort Collins, Colorado; Darcy Anthony of Wellington, Colorado.

One great-grandson: Evan Kinnison of Kearney, Nebraska

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold and Dutch.

Funeral Services will be Monday, January 14, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Cozad Church of Christ in Cozad with Pastor Mike Dennis officiating.

Burial will be in the Hewitt Cemetery northwest of Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 13, 2008, from 3-5 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the Diabetes Foundation, the Cozad Church of Christ or the Donor’s Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.