Larry Johnson

Larry Dean Johnson of Courtland, Kansas was born on October 31, 1942 in Talmo, KS to Edna Mae (Farlee) and Floyd Oscar Johnson. He married Shirley Thompson, of Courtland, KS on December 31, 1961.  They were married 55 years.  To this union were born four children: Gayle, Kirk, Jill and Leigh. Larry died on May 10, 2017 at their homeplace near Courtland, KS at the age of 74 years, 7 months and 10 days. Larry grew up around the Scandia area, working on farms and helping his parents at the Royal Café.  He was a 1960 graduate of Scandia High School where he was active in school sports and baseball in the summer, which his father was the manager.  Larry would later coach his own son and other youth.

Larry served in the US Air Force from 1960-1965 where he honed his mechanical skills.  After leaving the service, Larry & Shirley built & opened “Johnson’s Garage” in Scandia.  He later worked for Kallman’s Travel Center, Kent Feeds and on the family farm where he kept the machinery running.  Larry was a lifelong mechanic and a skilled “jack of all trades”.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand.   Whether it was his family or friends if you needed your car fixed, had a home remodel project or just needed help, he was there for you.  He gave his time to the church, working on many building, remodeling and repairing projects; to the community, as a supporter of the baseball program with coaching and volunteer help; and to the school, as a mentor to the Robotics team, the Future City team and helping build the all school play sets.  In later life, he spent more time with wood working, building all the cabinets, cupboards and other furniture in their home.   Larry was a member of the Scandia United Methodist Church, a member of the Scandia Lebanon Lodge #221 and later the Belleville lodge #129, the Scandia American Legion and the Buffalo Park Golf Course.  He enjoyed golfing, reading, spending time with his children and grandchildren.   A man’s life is not summed up in a few paragraphs, but by his many accomplishments and deeds that remain in the hearts of those who loved him and mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Kirk Duane, his siblings Raymond, Glenna, Betty, Janet Rae, Marilyn and Debbie.  Survivors include his wife Shirley; three daughters Gayle (Vinnie) Pfannenstiel, Jill (Frank) Nanne, Leigh (Mike) Gritten and daughter-in-law Barbara Johnson; his grandchildren Kanya (Erik) Petersen, Amanda (Scott) Woodard, Audrey Gritten, Kain Nanne (Mesi Haty), Joey Johnson,  Averie Gritten (Eric Harms), Andrew Gritten, Justin Johnson, Jason Johnson, Luke Pfannenstiel, Julia Johnson, Noah Pfannenstiel, and Grace Pfannenstiel; and great grandchildren Briley and Bradley Pfannenstiel, Caleb, Carter and Chloe Woodard; his siblings: Donna Huffman, Dorothy (Larry) Smith, Delores (Leslie) Cady, Rose Hobson, Gary (Denise) Johnson, Robert (Janet) Johnson and sister-in-law Katie Johnson, brother-in-law Leroy Curry; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Scandia, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Aeillo officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Belleville Lodge No. 129 A.F. & A.M. and Military Honors conducted by The Air Force Honor Guard of McConnell Air Base, Wichita. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Scandia. Memorials may be made to the Scandia Museum  or Meadowlark Hospice. Visitation will be 1:00pm to 8:00pm Wednesday at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas who was in charge of these arrangements.