Obituary for Dean E. Johnson
Dean E. Johnson (88) went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 4th , 2024.
Dean was born September 18th, 1935 in Anthony, Kansas to Donovan “Don” and Sylvia Johnson. Older brother Stan “Sonny” undoubtingly was excited to welcome younger brother Dean to the family as well. Dean grew up in Kansas and Missouri and he shared many stories of adventures and exploits of mischief that he and Sonny instigated together that most certainly must have contributed to many a grey hair for their parents.
After graduating high school Dean served his country in the Air Force as part of the flight crew of the venerable B36 bomber during the Korean conflict, where he forged what would become lifelong friendships with some fellow service men. During his time in the Air Force Dean cultivated his love of music playing a guitar performing in a cover
band at various venues. Dean returned to Haysville Kansas after serving in the Air Force and took a job with the Boeing company where he met future brother-in-law Bob Berry who introduced him to the love of his life and soon to be bride Elizabeth Crusinberry.
After a whirlwind romance of just two months and 8 days Dean and Elizabeth married on Valentine’s Day in 1959. As a result of their union the couple was blessed with three children. Dean spent his working career in aircraft manufacturing where he held several jobs and ended his career as the lead of the tooling inspection department for Cessna Aircraft retiring in January of 2000.
Dean was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an infectious smile and a heart for helping others while wearing many hats which included: Stroller pilot, chauffeur, cheer leader, listener, counselor, purveyor of wisdom, story teller, auto mechanic, grill master/chef and numerous others. Spending time with his family, especially when sharing a good meal, followed by "pulling a few strings" was one of his greatest joys.
Deans other passion in life was musical instruments and bluegrass music. Many treasured memories were made traveling to bluegrass festivals where he met and played music with the likes of Bill Monroe, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and many other bluegrass legends. Dean and Sonny formed a bluegrass duet called “The Johnson Grass” that played at many local festivals and venues with son Don joining later to complete the ensemble. Dean’s fondness for the banjo grew into a desire to make and build one of his own design. The enjoyment he derived from this endeavor inspired him to build many more of what had become his favorite instrument. Dean ultimately designed and built 13 banjos in total, 11 of which were lovingly crafted for and gifted to his family members.
Dean and Elizabeth were blessed with 64+ wonderful and loving years of marriage before he was called home to be with his Lord. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Johnson; children, Elaine Stull (Bud), Donovan Johnson (Laura), Jonathan Johnson; grandchildren, Belinda Stull, Serena McGaugh (Dave), Dwight Johnson, Matthew Johnson; great grandchildren, Riley Stull, William Stull, Jaxson McGaugh; and brother, Stan "Sonny" Johnson (Renee).
Come and go visitation: Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Funeral Service: 2:00pm Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, both at Smith Mortuary - Haysville 7031 S. Broadway Haysville, Kansas 67060.
Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Dean was born September 18th, 1935 in Anthony, Kansas to Donovan “Don” and Sylvia Johnson. Older brother Stan “Sonny” undoubtingly was excited to welcome younger brother Dean to the family as well. Dean grew up in Kansas and Missouri and he shared many stories of adventures and exploits of mischief that he and Sonny instigated together that most certainly must have contributed to many a grey hair for their parents.
After graduating high school Dean served his country in the Air Force as part of the flight crew of the venerable B36 bomber during the Korean conflict, where he forged what would become lifelong friendships with some fellow service men. During his time in the Air Force Dean cultivated his love of music playing a guitar performing in a cover
band at various venues. Dean returned to Haysville Kansas after serving in the Air Force and took a job with the Boeing company where he met future brother-in-law Bob Berry who introduced him to the love of his life and soon to be bride Elizabeth Crusinberry.
After a whirlwind romance of just two months and 8 days Dean and Elizabeth married on Valentine’s Day in 1959. As a result of their union the couple was blessed with three children. Dean spent his working career in aircraft manufacturing where he held several jobs and ended his career as the lead of the tooling inspection department for Cessna Aircraft retiring in January of 2000.
Dean was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an infectious smile and a heart for helping others while wearing many hats which included: Stroller pilot, chauffeur, cheer leader, listener, counselor, purveyor of wisdom, story teller, auto mechanic, grill master/chef and numerous others. Spending time with his family, especially when sharing a good meal, followed by "pulling a few strings" was one of his greatest joys.
Deans other passion in life was musical instruments and bluegrass music. Many treasured memories were made traveling to bluegrass festivals where he met and played music with the likes of Bill Monroe, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and many other bluegrass legends. Dean and Sonny formed a bluegrass duet called “The Johnson Grass” that played at many local festivals and venues with son Don joining later to complete the ensemble. Dean’s fondness for the banjo grew into a desire to make and build one of his own design. The enjoyment he derived from this endeavor inspired him to build many more of what had become his favorite instrument. Dean ultimately designed and built 13 banjos in total, 11 of which were lovingly crafted for and gifted to his family members.
Dean and Elizabeth were blessed with 64+ wonderful and loving years of marriage before he was called home to be with his Lord. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Johnson; children, Elaine Stull (Bud), Donovan Johnson (Laura), Jonathan Johnson; grandchildren, Belinda Stull, Serena McGaugh (Dave), Dwight Johnson, Matthew Johnson; great grandchildren, Riley Stull, William Stull, Jaxson McGaugh; and brother, Stan "Sonny" Johnson (Renee).
Come and go visitation: Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Funeral Service: 2:00pm Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, both at Smith Mortuary - Haysville 7031 S. Broadway Haysville, Kansas 67060.
Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.