Charles Edward Johns

MADISON - Charles E. Johns, age 79, of Madison, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. He was born on Nov. 23, 1941, in Vivian, La., the son of Isaac and Luvenia (White) Johns. At the age of 7, Charles’ parents took their family, and relocated to Wasco, Calif. Charles accepted Christ at an early age and was a member at Truelight Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. P.A. Bedford. Charles developed a love of music as a youth; singing in both the church choir and school chorus. While in high school, Charles discovered another love, radio broadcasting. This interest in broadcasting aligned with an on-air opportunity to host a weekly gospel radio program called the Gospel Connection on KWAC-FM in Bakersfield, Calif. Charles attended Karl Clemens Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. He graduated from Wasco Union High School in 1961. Charles moved to Los Angeles, Calif., decided to enroll into the Don Martin School of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, Calif., and attended Los Angeles City College to pursue his education in radio and communications. While in Los Angeles, he became a member of the Church of the Living God PG&T under the discipleship of Bishop Isiah E. Owens. Charles enjoyed working with the youth and served as the Youth Director for many years until going into the military. He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War for one term, and later re-enlisted; completing two tours based in Germany. During this time, he received his Communications-Electronics Certificate of Radio Relay, and acted as a Broadcast Specialist. He received an honorable discharge in 1975. Charles married the love of his life, Elaine Woyak on Dec. 22, 1984, in Madison, Wis. They met while attending a church revival. He had a wonderful career as a radio announcer for Northwestern College Radio WNWC for 28 years, spreading joy across the airwaves, hosting a variety of radio programs including a public radio show, the “FORUM;” an evening music program, “KOINONIA;” a Classical Music program, “Music in the Air” just to name a few. He retired in 2007. Charles loved his family and loved the Lord. He took his faith seriously. He spent time praying for family and friends, doing communal prayers with family and enjoying his life in Christ. Charles Johns is survived by his wife, Elaine; stepdaughter, Charly Rowe; stepson, Neil (Therese) Rowe; step-grandchildren Ari, Ava, Ezra, Eliana and Eli; brother, Tredis (Gwendolyn) Henderson; sisters, Pamela (Malcolm) Ivy and Diana (Ed) Johns; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Sr. and Luvenia Johns; his brother, Isaac Jr. “Pete” Johns; his sisters, Sally (Wiley) Smith and Mary (Morris) Sanders; and nephew, Valarian “Metie” Gooding. A funeral service will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Rd, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. A donation may be given in Charles' name to Save the Children or Child Evangelism Fellowship. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420