IOWA ~ Mr. John “Johnny” Russell Denison, 86, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Johnny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived all of his life on his multi-generation family farm in Iowa, La. where he served God and humankind. He was a life-long member and leader of the Iowa United Methodist Church and an alumnus of Iowa High School. He was a campus leader and graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute with a BS in Animal Husbandry.

He was a civic leader dedicated to serving others, and the advancement and development of education and the agricultural industry. His service and leadership are recognized at the local, state, and national levels. He was President and member of the Calcasieu Parish School Board for 30 years, Chairman of the Louisiana State University Rice Research Board and Chairman of the USA Rice Federation. As a life-long member of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation he served on the State Executive Committee and Chaired the Rice Advisory Board. He was also President of the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo Board.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Carolyn Simmons Denison; sister, Carolyn Ann Redmore (Derek); children, John Fred Denison (Lynne), Donna Jo Denison (Richard Mattick), Russell Denison (Vickie), Robert Denison (Ana); grandchildren, John Ray (Lori), Joel (Emily), Josh (Kourtney), Joseph, Clara, Anna, Ryan, Ross, Hayley (Andrew Yearby), and Diego; great-grandchildren, Sophie, Saige, Saylie, Stella, Sawyer, Margot, and Arthur.

Funeral Services will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday Dec. 6, 2021 in Iowa First United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Dr. David DeWitt and The Rev. Dr. Doug Ezel1 officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery under the direction of Johnson and Brown funeral home of Iowa. Visitation will begin Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 in Iowa United Methodist Church from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and will resume on Monday in the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Iowa First United Methodist Church.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.johnsonandbrownfuneralhome.com or Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home.