Longtime homebuilder dies at 88

Photo courtesy Adams Funeral Home

Hershel Johns

Ozark resident Hershel Johns, who was active for decades in the local residential construction industry, died July 23. He was 88.

A memorial service for Johns is scheduled Aug. 11 at Adams Funeral Home in Ozark, according to his obituary posted at AdamsFuneralHome.net.

A lifetime member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield who also was active on the National Association of Home Builders board, Johns built more than 400 homes and developed 10 subdivisions during his career, according to the obituary.

In November 2017, Johns was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement in Construction Award by the Salute to Design and Construction Council, according to a newsletter issued by the HBA.

According to the HBA, Johns started his building career in the Ozarks in 1959 and was the first builder to move a sanitary sewer system outside of city limits for a subdivision. He developed his first subdivision in 1962.

“He has always felt there is a real value to the HBA,” the newsletter reads.

Johns is survived by his wife and two daughters, as well as step-children and several other family members, according to the obituary.