University News

Western Illinois University Vice President Emeritus for Student Services, William Garry Johnson passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

William Garry Johnson Obituary

October 27, 2026

Share Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Vice President Emeritus for Student Services, William Garry Johnson, 80, of Macomb, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Johnson served WIU for 31 years. He started his WIU career as the Director of Residence Life and eventually served as Assistant Vice President for Student Services - Student Life, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Interim Vice President for Student Services. In 1998, Johnson was named Vice President for Student Services, a position he held until he retired in 2011.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Garry Johnson," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "Garry was an encouraging presence, a dedicated leader and a steadfast supporter of WlU. His influence extended across generations of students, colleagues and alumni, shaping careers, inspiring others and strengthening the WIU and student affairs community.

"It is difficult to imagine Macomb or a Western alumni gathering without Garry, but his spirit, sense of humor and positive legacy will continue to be part of WIU for years to come," Mindrup added. "My heartfelt condolences go to Margie, their family and the many people whose lives were enriched by knowing Garry. He will be deeply missed."

He was WIU's biggest cheerleader, and he would often be traveling with his purple and gold. Johnson was inducted into the Western Illinois University Athletic Club Hall of Fame in 2025. In 2014, he was named an Honorary Alumnus. Other honors and awards include the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International Parthenon Award, 2009; the American College Personnel Association Diamond Honoree Award, 2008; the Upper Midwest Region-Association of College and University Housing Officers William B. Sweet Distinguished Service Award, 1996; and the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers Distinguished Service Award, 1993.

"Garry contributed so much to WIU and was a monumental leader who consistently put students first and foremost," WIU Vice President for Finance and Administration Ketra Roselieb said. "He truly embodied the values, spirit, and excellence that make Western Illinois University so special."

Garry is survived by his spouse, Margie Twaddle, two sons: Christopher William Johnson (Jennifer Albert) of Los Angeles, CA, and Colin Robert Johnson (Christopher De Young) of Bloomington, IN; bonus daughter, Jessica Butcher (Chris Butcher) of Macomb; two brothers: John Edward (Eleanor) Johnson and Douglas Harry Johnson of Toronto, Canada; mother-in-law, Marcia Twaddle; sisters-in-law, Melanie (Mike) Falk and Michele Twaddle all of Macomb; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his spouse, Marilyn Kay (Dohner) Taylor, his parents and by two brothers, Brian Johnson (in infancy) and Warren Albert Johnson.

The family will meet with friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Hanson Field. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to wear WIU gear or purple. If the weather is inclement, visitation and memorial services will be held in the Grand Ball Room at the University Union.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb. Attendees are encouraged to wear WIU gear or purple to the services. In the case of inclement weather, visitation and memorial services will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the University Union.

All are invited to a Celebration of Garry's Life at the Macomb Country Club from noon-3 p.m. immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western Illinois University Foundation – W. Garry & Margie Johnson Scholarship Fund for Agriculture or Western Illinois University area of donor choice.

For more information or to view his obituary, visit clugston-tibbitts.com/obituary/DrWilliam-Johnson.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing