JOHNNIE GENE MIDDLETON

Johnnie Gene Middleton, 80, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017, in Hayti, Mo. He was born Jan. 25, 1937, to the late Clyde Middleton and Pearl Cecil Middleton. He graduated high school from Battleground Military Academy in Franklin, Tenn., in 1953. He then studied textiles and design in St. Louis, Mo., and went to New York City where he studied interior design. He was employed by Goldsmiths in Memphis for several years, then came back to Blytheville, Ark., where he worked for Hubbard and Hoke until opening his own business, Middleton Interiors, until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Middleton was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Pearl Middleton; one brother, Buford Middleton, and one nephew, Jack Middleton.

Survivors of Mr. Middleton include one nephew, Joe Middleton and his wife, Dorothy, of Clarkdale, Miss.; two nieces, Mary Ann Ashmore of Meridian, Miss., and Cookie Middleton Duncan of Meridian, Miss.; George Burton of Cooter, Mo., and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Middleton were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 12 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Todd Holman officiating. Interment followed at Little Prairie Cemetery in Caruthersville. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Powell Funeral Home of Steele was in charge of arrangements.