The local community of Columbus and the surrounding Platte County region are rallyiing together in profound grief following the tragic and sudden passing of Josiah Johnson (Clarke). Josiah passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at just 13 years old, leaving local schools, neighborhood youth groups, and family networks devastated by an unexpected loss.
In the wake of this sudden heartbreak, Columbus business owners, close family friends, and area residents have launched localized relief initiatives. A massive community benefit and fundraiser have been established to assist his mother, Shelbie Clarke, and their family with mounting end-of-life expenses and memorial logistics.
| Profile Parameter | Official Memorial & Community Record |
| Full Name | Josiah Johnson / Josiah Clarke |
| Age | 13 years old |
| Date of Passing | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 |
| Lifespan | November 19, 2012 — July 8, 2026 |
| Hometown | Columbus, Nebraska |
| Public Visitation | Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CST) |
| Funeral Location | Gass Haney Funeral Home (2109 14th St, Columbus, NE 68601) |
| Interment | Private Family Services (To be held at a later date) |
| Community Benefit | Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Bo’s West (11:00 AM – 10:00 PM) |
Community Fundraiser Announced at Bo’s West
In the wake of unexpected tragedy, local support systems are mobilizing rapidly to assist Josiah’s mother, Shelbie Clarke, and the rest of his immediate loved ones with escalating funeral costs and end-of-life logistics.
A localized benefit event has been finalized for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, spanning from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the popular area venue Bo’s West. The restaurant has pledged to donate 10% of all food sales generated throughout the day directly to the family.
Organizers have noted that the benefit will apply to dine-in patrons, carry-out orders, and local deliveries. In tandem with the dining proceeds, a live raffle and a split-the-pot drawing will take place throughout the day to maximize relief funding.
Local resident Kelsie Mark expressed the collective emotion of the town in a public statement urging neighbors to participate:
“My heart aches for their family. I couldn’t even imagine and don’t have any words. Shelbie Clarke, love you bunches. I am here if you and your family need anything. Come support… Please come and support his family!”
Funeral Arrangements and Visitation Timeline
Official final arrangements are under the care of Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus. A public visitation has been scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Central Time at the funeral chapel located at 2109 14th Street.
Following the public visitation hours, the family will honor Josiah’s life through a private interment service at a later date.
Those wishing to send floral arrangements, leave digital condolences for Shelbie Clarke and the family, or drop off donations for the memorial fund are encouraged to channel them through the Gass Haney registry or visit the Bo’s West benefit event.