Kenneth Dale Johnson's Obituary
Kenneth Dale Johnson, age 89, Severy, Kansas passed away at his home on Friday, November 10, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Kenneth Dale Johnson was born on April 30, 1928 to Eva Andevine Harris and Chalmer Claud Johnson, in Reading, KS. He married Nellie Elizabeth Watts on February 27, 1953, in El Dorado, KS and they started their home west of August, KS, first in an old white farmhouse and later a chicken house that was converted into an apartment. To this marriage was born eight children.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Eva (Harris) Sherman and Chalmer Johnson, step-dad Tyree Wilfred Sherman, step-mother Eva (Havener) Johnson; three brothers: Virgil Johnson, Wayne Johnson and Dean Johnson and son-in-law Mike Shepherd, granddaughter Joy Johnson, nephews Johnny Sherman, Terry Joe Sherman and Terry Johnson, and step grandson Zachery Bershir.
He is survived by his wife Nellie and son, Delane Johnson of the home. Daughters Dale McDaniel and husband Wayne of Willow Springs, MO, Becky Shepherd of Eureka, KS., Doreen Rogers and husband George of Dumas TX, and Debra Greer and husband Scott of Elk City, KS. Sons Doyle Johnson and wife Delores of Haysville, KS, Lynn Johnson and wife Christy of Severy, KS, Kendall Johnson and wife Melissa of Howard, KS. Half brothers and sisters: Ronald (Guy) Sherman of CA, William (Pete) Sherman of TX, Jackie Johnson of AK, Howard Johnson of MI, Mary Anderson, Sue Boland and Judy Lamphear all of OK, 26 grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 22 step great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and 3 step great-great grandchildren.
Kenneth joined the Navy on March 30, 1948 and was honorably discharged on March 10, 1952, having served most of his tour on the water. He also served during the Korean Conflict. Medals received include: Korean medal with three stars, Good Conduct, Japanese Occupation medal, United Nations medal, and a Purple Heart.
He was reared by his Grandpa and Grandma Harris and went to bible school until 7th grade in Gravette, Arkansas. He worked many jobs throughout his life: Camp Crowder Chicken plant, a sheep farm in CO at the age of 13/14, Beach Craft, RK Price painting, road construction in Butler County, KS, the railroad, Air Force base and a mental hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. He also owned El Cajon Paint and Glass Company with his brother Wayne. Moving from the busy life in California in 1971 to the farm, Kenneth had started his own business in 1954, Johnson’s Painting and Drywall, from which he retired. He also farmed and raised cattle, worked the oil fields with his three brothers-in-law: Bert, Walter, and Ken Watts.
Visitation for Kenneth Johnson will be Friday, November 17, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard. Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. also at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard with Pastor Terry Marta officiating. The family has suggested memorials to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Shriner’s Hospital, both located in St. Louise, MO. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com Services entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 306 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349.
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