Longtime downtown Henderson businessman and civic leader Glenn Lee Johnson died at the age of 88 on January 15, 2025, at home with his devoted wife of 25 years, Pem Pfisterer Clark, at his side following a 22-year struggle from complications of throat cancer treatment.

Johnson began his business career at the young age of 10, delivering newspapers along the US 41 strip in Henderson.  At age 11, he expanded his business and hired a car and driver to take him on his route.  At 16, Johnson went to work as floor sweeper and stock boy for Matt Brown at Matt's News Stand at 224 2nd Street.  He worked there throughout his high school years, became a bodybuilder, won the title of Mr. Junior Kentucky, trained for the circus in the arts of slack wire rope walking and juggling, and went on to join the U.S. Army, serving two years in Korea.  Upon his return to Henderson in 1959, Glenn was given the opportunity to purchase Matt's News.  For the next 43 years, Matt's News & Gifts was open 365 days a year from 7 AM to 9 PM earning him the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2005.  Despite his busy work schedule, he still found time for public service, serving on numerous committees, including the Salvation Army board for 37 years.  He served as the youngest County Magistrate (Henderson) in the Commonwealth and later served two terms as a Henderson City Commissioner and a five-year term as Mayor of Henderson.  In retirement he enjoyed working and traveling with his wife, Pem.

In addition to his wife, Glenn is survived by his beloved children, son, Lee Sean Johnson, and daughter, Margaret Neil Johnson (Jeffrey) Middendorf; his precious grandchildren, Maxwell Thomas Middendorf, Samuel Glenn Middendorf, and Hayden Louise Middendorf; first cousin, Al J Feix; and nieces and nephews.

Glenn's celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm CST, at Worsham Hall, 215 North Elm St. in downtown Henderson Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kentucky Broadcasters Association Scholarship Fund, 101 Enterprise Drive, Frankfort KY 40601.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.