Fred F. Johnson

Fred Franklin Johnson, age 63, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at his home from complications of Neuro Sarcoidosis. He was a retired Federal Veterinarian for the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. He was born on August 24, 1948, the son of Clyde F. and Tena E. (Thomas) Johnson. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1973 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He worked for the U.S. Army Inspection Corps for three years, then for the El Dorado Animal Clinic for 14 years. In 1992, he joined the USDA FSIS where he worked until his retirement for health reasons in 2011. In 1977, he married Jane Rockers, who survives, as well as their two sons and their families, Paul F. Johnson and wife Erin, grandson Henry of Lenexa, Kansas; Luke F. Johnson and wife Julie, granddaughter Shyla of St. Louis, Missouri; his mother Tena Johnson of Garnett, Kansas; his brother Tom Johnson and wife JoAnn of Westphalia, Kansas; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Fred was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Johnson; his daughter, Elizabeth Johnson; and niece, Caroline Johnson Ludolph. He was a member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians, Kansas State Alumni Association, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa, and the Knights of Columbus. Fred loved his family, especially his sons and grandchildren; all animals, especially cattle and horses; and K-State sports. He never saw a purple shirt or K-State ball cap that he didn't love. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2012, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Scipio, Kansas; burial to follow in St. Boniface Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the church, with family present to greet friends following. Memorials may be made to the KSU Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund or to Heifer International.