Ronald Joseph Johnson

Ronald Joseph Johnson, 71, Nevada, Mo., passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at St. Luke's Mid-American Heart Institute, in Kansas City, Mo. He was born July 6, 1942, in Kansas City, Kan., to Otis Meredith Johnson and May Elnora Murphy Johnson. On July 18, 1981, Ronald was united in marriage to Susan Seely in Beloit, Kan., and she survives of the home.

Ron was raised in Kansas City, Kan., and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1961. Following high school he served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany as a military policeman. Following his time in the service Ronald graduated from Donnelly College in Kansas City with an associate of science degree in 1969. He then went on to attend Rockhurst College, in Kansas City, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics along with a lifetime teachers certificate from the state of Missouri, all in 1971. In the mid-1970s he moved to Concordia, Kan., where he worked in Food Service for St. Joseph's Hospital. He completed the Dale Carnegie Course in 1975.

Following his marriage to Susan he graduated in 1982 from Central Michigan University in Kansas City with a master of arts degree in hospital administration. In the mid-1980s he began working as the food service director at Hutchinson Hospital Corporation in Hutchinson, Kan. He came to Nevada in 1993, where he began employment with Service Master Company to develop a food service plan that was implemented to provide meal service for the Nevada Habilitation Center. He then worked at the Career Center in Nevada for approximately two years and later as a substitute teacher for the Nevada R-5 school district.

Ronald was an avid Chiefs fan and also a fan of Kansas State University football and basketball. He was a member of BPO Elks Lodge No. 564, in Nevada, American Legion in Concordia, Kan., and a lifetime member of VFW in Concordia. In 2008 he earned an Amateur Extra Radio License -- then applied for and received the same call sign as his father before him. Ron was known for his love of all animals -- especially cats and dogs.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, Susan, one son, Matthew Johnson and his partner, Joe Forck, of Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Mina Johnson and the late Rev. Wendell Johnson, Topeka, Kan., and Pat Parr and Bob, Overland Park, Kan.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Meredith Johnson; and many of his beloved animals.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at the First Baptist Church, in Nevada, with Dr. William Cox officiating. Interment will follow at a later date.

Contributions may be made in his name to The Wounded Warrior Foundation or Vernon County People for Pets in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.