Chayton Duane Johnson

Chayton D. Johnson, 24, a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community, of Malabar, Florida, died Friday, September 22, 2023 in Benton, Illinois as the result of a car accident. He was born July 8, 1999 in Tampa, Florida to Chester and Vickie (Boatwright) Johnson. He grew up in Florida and on Prairie Island, graduating from Heritage High School. There he was a skilled athlete, lettering in both football and track. He also earned a national achievement award for athletics. He also earned an Automotive Technician Certificate. Most recently, he was looking forward to buying a house near his family.

Chayton was a gentle giant. He was a shy kid who grew up to be a kind and caring man. He was always willing to help and never expected anything in return. He was selfless, almost to a fault. Most of all he loved his family, both the little family he created with Amya and their dog Mozzy, and his large extended family. He was proud of his heritage and recently received the name Tiokage, which means “Builds the Lodge.”

He will be missed by his parents, Chester and Vickie Johnson; significant other, Amya Grove-Thomas; brother, Chase D. Johnson; sister, Jessica Watson; nieces Juliet and Natalie Delgado; and many aunts, uncles and many, many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Freeman and Dorothy Johnson; and his maternal grandmother, Patricia Callis.

Funeral service will be at noon, 12 p.m., on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Prairie Island Community Center. Visitation will begin Thursday, September 28 at 3:30 and continue until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com