Matthew Lee Johnson

CRAWFORD, HUMPHRIES, HUYNH, JOHNSON, LOVE, NGUYEN, PRESTON

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 1/3/2026 at 13:11:20

Matthew Lee Johnson, 48 years old, of Independence, Iowa, passed away December 29, 2025, at his home, following a life altering battle with cancer.

Matthew was born February 25, 1977, in Independence, the son of Wayne LeRoy and Brenda Mae (Crawford) Johnson. He grew up in Independence where he attended Independence Community Schools. Matthew married Minh Huong Nguyen on November 18, 2006, in New York. Together they raised three children, YenNhi, John Toan, and Donovan Wayne. The couple would later divorce.

Matthew worked at Pries Enterprises and Iowa Ham in Independence as well as in the maintenance department at Tyson Fresh Meats in Waterloo, Iowa. When he moved his family to Big Flats, New York, he was employed by Kennedy Valve in Elmira, New York, and later Dresser-Rand in Painted Post, New York as a machinist. He also owned and operated Beautiful Nails in Painted Post with his wife Huong. On the side he bought and sold vehicles for Lucky’s Auto Sales in Painted Post. Upon moving back to Independence, he worked at Bachman Tool and Die Co. and owned and operated the vape store, Indee Stop-n-Shop. He was most recently employed as a supervisor at Energy Management Co. in Monticello, Iowa.

In his spare time, Matt enjoyed playing pool, fishing, cooking, and any activity involving family. When he was his ultimate self, he always wanted the best and strived to do the best of his ability for himself and everyone around him.

He leaves behind his family, AvaLee Love Johnson and her mother Angie Preston of Canton, Pennsylvania; Donovan Johnson of Gwynn Oak, Maryland; YenNhi (Tyler) Humphries of Horsehead, New York, John Toan (Brittney) Huynh of Erin New York; three granddaughters, Isabella and Gabriella Humphries, Hallie Huynh; his mother, Brenda Johnson of Independence, Iowa; and one brother, Jeremiah Johnson of Elmira, New York; as well as his niece and nephews Arianna, Garrett, and Logan Johnson. He is also survived by his loyal pet dog and companion Willow, which provided Matthew unconditional love and emotional support during the extensive cancer treatments.

Matt is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Caryel & Anna Mae Crawford; his paternal grandparents, Bernard & Shirley Johnson; his father Wayne Johnson; and one sister-in-law, Kristena Johnson.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Memorials may be directed to the family or to Cedar Valley Hospice.

The Johnson Family would like to express their deepest gratitude and immense appreciation for those who followed Matthew’s cancer journey.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home of Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.