Neill Johnson

On June 5, 2017 Neill Johnson left this earth and found peace, health, and relief from his recent battles and was reunited with many family and friends in heaven. Those who went before him welcomed him with love, stories, songs, and laughter. Though he fought hard to the end, he was at peace when he departed as he had left the hospital and had several good days of sunshine, birds singing, flowers, walking and ice chips. His lifelong sense of humor and determination was true to the end as he tried his darnedest to sneak a cup of coffee just last Saturday. Neill Lewis Johnson was born on July 26, 1937 on his grandpa Lewis Holladay’s farm northwest of Green, Kansas. His parents were Ernest ‘Stretchy’ and Nola Holladay Johnson. Neill was the oldest of three – brother Kenneth and sister Ardis rounded out the family and were all close their entire lives. Stretchy passed away suddenly when Neill was sixteen years old and he assumed the fatherly duties without hesitation. Nola and the children then lived with Lewis where Neill assisted with all the farming duties and raising his brother and sister. Neill graduated from Green High School in 1955. He would share many stories of his time in high school – bowling balls released down stairways in the school, knocking over ‘toilet facilities’, and him being the 4th boy on a motorcycle – which didn’t end well for him. Right out of High School, Neill joined the Army National Guard in Clay Center and was proud to serve for eight years. He worked for Carl Hay as a carpenter – skills he developed with Carl came in handy throughout the rest of his life. Whether remodeling a home, building frames/desks/shelves, or fixing whatever broke – Neill could do it! In 1957 Neill moved to Morganville with his mother, brother, and sister and began working at the Farmers Co-op Elevator. Here he became a good and trusted friend to all the local farmers – friendships he continued to maintain his entire life. In 1958 a girl caught his eye and he asked her to a dance – something Stretchy and Nola enjoyed and their love of dancing had passed on to Neill. The girl was Nancy Christian, and even though she was from a rival high school, the relationship began!! On April 24, 1960 Neill and Nancy wed in Morganville at the Morganville Methodist Church. Two children were born – Lori Denise on April 16, 1961 and Bradley Neill on January 1, 1963. Neill went to work for Northern Natural Gas ‘Gas City’ in 1972. He worked there for over 20 years and left in 1993. Neill and Nancy spent many hours in their RV traveling to all 50 states – camping in the lower 48, and all the provinces of Canada. A goal Neill had at a young age!! Square dancing, camping, going on family vacations, baseball, 4-H, Boy Scouts, the kids’ school, gardening, working in the yard and working on the house filled their lives for the next 57 years. Neill collected Tonka Toys for years – searching every flea market, antique mall, and Wal Mart for that special piece to round out his collection. Hundreds of Tonkas line the walls of his workshop to this day. Grandchildren, and one great grandchild provided many hours of pleasure, more ballgames, more camping, and over all ‘Grandpa do this’ activities. Neill taught himself how to play the guitar in his 60s. He was fond of singing and playing country music – especially waltzes – and old hymns. Many of his favorites you have heard today. Neill led a full and happy life. He passed along many traits to his kids and grandkids – most especially his commitment to always doing what was right, and good, and honest. Neill believed in taking care of family and in giving to his community. He led by example, using very few words. He was patriotic – displaying his flag proudly, always standing for the flag and the National Anthem, and voting at every opportunity. He was loved greatly and will be remembered for his wit, subtle jokes, one-liners, woodworking skills, and his tight hugs. Survivors: Wife: Nancy Johnson, Morganville, KS Daughter: Lori Johnson-Rumsey and husband Jack Rumsey, Longmont, CO Son: Brad and wife Mary Johnson, McPherson, KS 11 Grandchildren and 1 Great-grandchild Funeral Services: Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11:00AM at the Clay Center United Methodist Church in Clay Center, KS Minister: Pastor Sarah Gill and Pastor Lynn Scott Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas Visitation: Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 3-8 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home Memorials: Morganville United Methodist Church or Morrison House of Salina c/o the funeral home