Marvin Joseph Johnson took up residence with Our Lord and Savior on March 7, 2016 in Springfield, Mo. His wife of over 60 years, Claire Lavon Johnson (Rucker), and sons were at his side along the way He was born on May 14, 1936 in Neodesha, Kan., to Melford Cecil Johnson and Viola Pansy Johnson (Dickens) who preceded him in death. He is survived by one brother, Howard Johnson, Bartlesville, Okla.; and two sisters, Leila Mae Williams, Phoenix, Ariz., and Bonita Tucker, Parsons, Kan. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister: Glenn Johnson, Richard Johnson, Jimmy Johnson and Jean Zadorozny.
Marvin is also survived by his three sons and their families: Joe and Liz Johnson, Montreat, N.C.; Colonel (Ret) Craig and Marcia Johnson, Fayetteville, N.C., and Jonathon and Michelle Johnson, Chanute, Kan. His grandchildren include Thomas and Sarah Johnson, Swannanoa, N.C.; Lieutenant Craig and Lizzie Johnson, Manhattan, Kan., Alan and Michael Johnson, both of Montreat, N.C., Kelly Johnson and Katherine Cline (Johnson) and Sergeant Stephen Cline, Fayetteville, N.C.; Lieutenant Mason and Mrs. Katie Johnson, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Harrison Johnson, Nashville, Tenn., and Grayson Johnson, Chanute. Marvin’s great-grandchildren are: Pack Johnson, Montreat, N.C., and Ava Johnson, Manhattan, Kan.
Marvin’s life was defined by his passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with his words and deeds. He lived his faith in Christ through his dedication to his lovely wife, children and through service as a church teacher, lay leader and participant in various Christian ministries. In addition, Marvin’s life was highlighted by his 43-year career as a teacher, coach and education administrator in public school districts in Kansas and Missouri. He earned degrees from Kansas State Teacher’s College, Pittsburg, Kan.; Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan., and a Doctorate in Education from Oklahoma State University.
Marvin was a former Past President, Kansas Association of School Administrators; Mayor of the City of Cherryvale, Kan.; a 45-year member of Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow) including the founding President, Cherryvale Rotary Chapter, Cherryvale, Kan., and served various communities through the Chamber of Commerce. He was also an active supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a local leader in the Promise Keepers and TGIW. Marvin was big fan of college sports, especially OSU, K-State, PSU and Missouri State He was also a big St. Louis Cardinal fan as well. Marvin loved friendly athletic competition, particularly basketball which he played well into his 60s. A man of integrity who enjoyed making new acquaintances, Marvin leaves a legacy of friendship and service.
The Johnson family will host a visitation at Greenlawn North Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo., on Thursday evening, March 10 from 5 to 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church. Chanute, Kan., on Friday morning, March 11 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to Springfield, MO Bridges for Youth or the Springfield Adult Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.