Kenneth E. Johnson

Kenneth Eugene Johnson, 90, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017 at his home in Emporia.

He was born March 27, 1927 in Gridley, Kansas the son of Perry Madison Sr. and Carrie Tipton Johnson.

Kenneth began working as a farm hand at age 14. When old enough he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. Serving part of his time in Italy. After being honorably discharged on December 22, 1946, he worked in the oil fields for almost fifty years before retiring in 1995. He spent a few years in the 1970's working for J&W Manufacturing.

He was joined in marriage to Norma Louise Schotte in July 1948 in Aliceville, Kansas. To this union were born four children; daughter Marletta Quandt and her husband Steve of Emporia, son Gary Johnson and his wife Cris of Virgil, Kansas, daughter Janet Ashlock and son Virgil Johnson and his wife Deb of Madison.

After retirement he and Norma enjoyed traveling together. He also took up chain saw carving.

He was a lifelong member of the Gridley Christian Church.

Kenneth is also survived by seven grandchildren, Michelle Smith, Kent Smith, Sherry Jones, Russ Howard, Bridget McClendon, Lacy Thexton and Scott Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren and several step great-great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Wade Ashlock of Kiefer, Oklahoma; numerous extended family and countless dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Janet Ashlock; three brothers, Perry Jr., Francis and Leonard and a sister, Darlene Shook.