Josiah Johnson

Josiah Johnson, age 13, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home. Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Josiah was born on November 19, 2012, in Terre Haute, Indiana to Shelbie Clarke.  Josiah had a beautiful heart and a spirit that brought joy to everyone around him. He was goofy, kind, and a friend to every one of his peers.

The moment Josiah started talking, his laughter could be heard throughout the house—big, contagious belly laughs that were impossible not to smile at. He was incredibly smart, and his grades reflected it, even though he would be the first to tell you how much he hated school and homework. He never quite figured out when it was an appropriate time to be silly at school, but he always knew how to make people laugh, even if it meant getting himself into a little trouble. That was a trait he got from his mom.

In his thirteen years, Josiah experienced so much of the beauty and joy life had to offer. He felt the ocean and the soft sand between his toes, stood among the mountains of Arizona, flew on an airplane, and experienced the joy of becoming a big brother. His life was filled with adventures, laughter, love, and so many moments that will be treasured forever.

Josiah will be remembered for his beautiful heart, his intelligence, his goofy personality, and the laughter that filled every room he entered. He was deeply loved, and the joy he brought into the lives of those who knew him will never be forgotten.

Josiah is survived by –
Parents – William and Shelbie Clarke
Sister – Isabella Clarke
Sister – Sienna Clarke
Grandmother – Sue Koutsoumpas
Grandfather – Bill (Vickie) Koutsoumpas
Aunt – Jamila Fisher