Bill’s life began on November 15, 1940, the son of Herbert and Margaret (Evans) Johnson in Goddard, Kansas. He graduated from Benton High School Class of 1958, and then served his country in the U. S. Army. Bill and Barbara were united in marriage on June 4, 1966, in Wichita.
Bill was a purchasing manager for Derby Coastal Refinery for 31 years and also the Benton City Marshall for 33 years. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. He loved his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking care of his rental properties and his two dogs Gypsy and Gidget.
His loving family includes his wife, Barbara; son and his wife, William “Will” Jr, and Estell Johnson; daughter and her husband, Melissa and John Miles all of Benton; brothers and their wives, Don and Janet Johnson of Wichita, and John and Laurie Johnson of Clearwater; sister-in-law, Sue Johnson of Benton; 6 grandchildren, Nick (Maggie) Stensaas, Erin, Emma and Weston Johnson, and Hannah and McKenna Miles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gerald “Jerry” and Daryl Johnson. Bill passed away Friday, January 5, 2018, having reached the age of 77 years old.
His family will gather with friends on Wednesday, January 10, from 5-7 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home in El Dorado. Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. both at St. Vincent De Paul, officiated by Father Kent Hemberger. Following the service Bill will be laid to rest in the Benton Township Cemetery in Benton, Kansas with military honors.
Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to or Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 720 W. Central, El Dorado, Kansas 67042 or St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 123 N. Andover Road, Andover, Kansas 67002. Please sign his online guest book and leave a memory of Bill at www.carlsoncolonial.com.
Charitable donations may be made to:
St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church
123 N. Andover Rd., Andover KS 67002
Susan B. Allen Auxiliary
720 W. Central, El Dorado KS 67042
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