Clarence L. Johnson

Clarence Lyle Johnson, 92, of Garnett, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008, at the Golden Heights Living Center in Garnett. He was born July 11, 1915, in Rural Garnett, the son of Evert Edgar and Hattie Maude Johnson. He married Wilda Frances Ament December 24, 1934, in Garnett. She preceded him in death in 1982. He later married Irma Jones who preceded him in death in 2007. Mr. Johnson farmed from 1934 until 1939 when he moved his family to Inglewood, California, where he began working for Douglas Aircraft. He worked in two aircraft factories in California and two in Kansas until the end of World War II. Then he bought a farm near Bush City, Kansas, and also began work in an oil field later owned by Deep Rock and then General American, where he worked until 1958. Following two years working for Bendix in Kansas City, he returned to Garnett to work as a carpenter, then as a plumber, and eventually had his own plumbing and electrical business. He also owned Johnsons Laundromat and the Family Shoe Store. Then he moved to Mound City, Kansas, where he and his wife, Wilda, built a home on the lake where he worked as Lake Development Manager until retiring and returning to Garnett. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and a past member of the Rotary Club. Since retiring he has enjoyed traveling and fishing. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers, his wife, Wilda, and his second wife, Irma; his son-in-law, Charles Gwin; his grandson, Gary Gwin; and his grandson- in-law, David Jobe. He is survived by two daughters, Beverly Watkins and husband Raymond of Scottville, Illinois, and Kay Gwin of Garnett, Kansas; five grandchildren, Sherry Jobe of Roodhouse, Illinois; David Watkins of Jacksonville, Illinois; Daniel Watkins of Pana, Illinois; Greg Gwin and wife Stacy of Garnett, Kansas; and Brenda Leinweber and husband John of Garnett, Kansas; one sister, Maxine Sutton of Coffeyville, Kansas; one brother, Bob and wife Karen of Wheatland, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service chapel in Garnett, Kansas with Pastor Raymond Watkins and Pastor Bill Schmeling officiating. Interment will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends from 7:00 8:00 PM, Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Garnett United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .