William Wayne Johnson passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the age of 85 with his family by his side. He was born in Saline County, KS on July 20th, 1928 to Robert Bruce and Neva E. Johnson.
Wayne was born and raised on the Johnson family farm west of Salina. He grew up very involved in 4-H, with numerous awards in livestock & horse competitions. He excelled at math and football in high school and graduated from Kansas State University in 1950 with a degree in Agriculture. He was a member of Theta Xi fraternity. Wayne returned to Salina after graduation and married his lifelong sweetheart, MaryLou Tallman on September 10th, 1950, and for 56 years, they lived on the family farm until MaryLou’s death in March 2006. Wayne was a sergeant in the army as a “bomb-tracker specialist”. When he left the service he returned to his beloved farm, where he and MaryLou raised their three children: Judy, Cindy & Brett. Wayne retired from farming full time in 1992 and begana new career in real estate. With his love & knowledge in farmland, it was a natural fit and he happily worked into his early 80’s before retiring permanently to simply enjoy his life, friends & family.
Wayne was the epitome of a hands-on parent and grandparent. He enjoyed participating and supporting his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ activities. Wayne was a devoted husband and essential partner to MaryLou. He supported her renowned painting career, as well as playing tennis & dancing together. He thrived on family gatherings, driving tractors, spring planting and the wheat harvest. A most favorite family past time was boating & skiing at the lake. He was the quintessential farm & 4-H dad. Wayne helped guide the successful 4-H careers of his children in which they garnered countless championships in rabbits, sheep & show horse competitions. Wayne was compassionate to all living things great and small. He could always be counted on to help a neighbor in a bind, visit a lonely friend or nurture an ailing animal. Wayne was a an infallible gentleman, an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who enjoyed a nip of scotch and a dip of ice cream at the end of the day!
Wayne was an active rotarian & a member of the First Presbyterian Church as well as numerous other organizations
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents R. Bruce and Neva Johnson, his wife MaryLou, & his sister, Margie Ann Wyatt. He is survived by his sister, Donna Jean Vanier, and his 3 children: Judy Johnson(John Stockham), Cindy(Dennis) Egan & Brett(Megan) Johnson; Grandchildren: Courtney Fleenor, Jamie Summers, Cassidy Egan, Fraser Egan, Grant Johnson and Jack Johnson; three great-grandchildren: Cecilia, Taylor, & Isaac; as well as numerous nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 18, at First Presbyterian Church, Salina, with a visitation preceding the service, beginning at 11 a.m. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at or sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.