Gary LeRoy Johnson's Obituary
Gary LeRoy Johnson, age 77 of Chanute, KS, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Gary was born May 2, 1941 in Sioux City, Iowa the son of Iver and Rosella (Schweitzberger) Johnson.
He graduated from Perry High School in 1958. On November 27, 1961, Gary married Sharon Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa and they celebrated 57 years of marriage. Gary worked for the railroad for 9 1/2 years and then went on to be an air traffic controller for 20 years. He worked at various airports throughout the country, ending up at the Chanute Municipal Airport in 1977, he eventually retired from the government at the age of 55. In 1983, he built and operated the Skaters Delight skating rink. After retirement, Gary started a sharpening business and would sharpen blades, knives, saws; just about anything that needed sharpened. Gary was a proud Mason and Shriner. He was a member of the SEK Cats Car Club and a Shrine Dad and enjoyed spending his time helping those in need. He also belonged to the Meadowlark Sam’s Camping Club for 20 years. He enjoyed tournament fishing and quilting but most of all loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He didn’t know a stranger and liked to make friends with anyone he met.
Gary is survived by
Wife:
Sharon Johnson
Children:
Ivy Kepley and husband Mike of Chanute
Melodie Johnson of Columbia, SC
Todd Johnson and wife Jennifer of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren:
Nick (Ashley) Kepley, Cory Kepley, Tanner (Dana) Kepley, Noah Kepley, Josh Johnson, Tasha Johnson
Great Grandchildren:
Kaden Kepley, Brecken Kepley, Aidyn Johnson, Gracie Johnson, Cayde Johnson, Gabe Johnson
Siblings:
Carol Kuehl
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bob Johnson.
Cremation has been requested. A visitation will be on Monday, December 31, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home Johnson Chapel at 101 N. Highland in Chanute, KS. Masonic Funeral Rites will take place at 2p.m. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials suggested to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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