Gordon Johnson

Gordon Johnson, 96, of Marysville, KS, died January 8, 2022 at Cambridge Place in Marysville. Visitation is Thursday, January 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. Private graveside service at Marysville City Cemetery. Gordon was born June 13, 1925, in Butler City, MO to Rex and Mary (Arbuthnot) Johnson. He grew up in Belleville, KS. On May 22, 1955, he married Helen Kuoni in the new sanctuary of the First Christian Church in Marysville. He and Helen were active members of the church where he was an elder, an usher, sang in the choir and served on the church council. Gordon served in the US Army during WWII. Helen said, “he jumped off a ship and landed in France.” He was severely wounded in the war and spent two years in the hospital. His legs were damaged and in terrible shape. He received the Purple Heart but did not often speak about his military service. Around three years ago, he and two other WWII veterans were honored by the French government in a ceremony at Abilene, KS. After the war, Gordon studied stenography at Chillicothe Business College and became a court reporter for the District Court, Marshall County Courthouse in Marysville. He worked there until his retirement in 1990. He helped with the care of his mother, who relocated to Marysville for the last eight years of her life. Gordon was active in the Lion’s Club for many years and served in various positions. He actively led the club’s annual fundraiser and along with Helen, painted the picnic pavilion and did other repairs at the Lion’s Park. Gordon gave generous contributions to Community Memorial Healthcare and the CMH Foundation. He and Helen donated a fully equipped surgical room. Gordon enjoyed many wonderful motoring trips with his wife and in later years enjoyed reminiscing about the fun these road trips had given them. They particularly appreciated the beauty of Niagara Falls and visited there several times over the years. He spent countless hours in his basement workshop where he created cedar chests and other furniture. He also made wooden toys (model cars and trucks) he later donated to Toys for Tots. Gordon was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs and loved watching their games. Until just a few years ago he enjoyed regular dinner dates with Helen at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. Gordon's exemplary character and caring nature was evident throughout his life of service to his country, to his church, and to his community. A man of faith and deed, he was a good friend to many, a refined gentleman, and a loving and devoted husband. Survivors include his wife, Helen of sixty-six years; two nephews, John P. (Helene) Kuoni, Allentown, PA, James E. (Lin) Kuoni, Lincoln City, OR; niece, Joanne S. McCann, Medford, OR; a great uncle to three and a great great uncle to one. A memorial fund has been established to the Community Memorial Healthcare, Meadowlark Hospice or a charity of choice. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gordon Johnson, please visit our flower store.