Duane F. Johnson

Duane F. Johnson, 78, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was born October 26, 1940 in Salina, Kansas, the son of Orlando F. and Alice Mae (Halsey) Johnson.

Duane graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1963 with a Bachelor's Degree. He went on to receive a Master's Degree in Library Studies from Florida State University. He served as Director of Libraries in Great Bend and Hutchinson before being appointed the State Librarian of Kansas by Governor John Carlin in 1983. He served in that capacity for 20 years, not only under Governor Carlin, but also under Governors Hayden, Finney, Graves and Sebelius. He retired from his post in 2004.

Duane married Ann Dolloff in 1963. She preceded him death in 1978. He and Ann had a daughter, Marcia Johnson. She preceded him in death in 1982. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Patricia, Shirley and Kenneth and his parents, Alice in 1972 and Orlando in 1975.

Duane married Debra Kirmer on October 21, 2011 in Fredonia, Arizona. She survives. Other survivors include two step-daughters, Stephanie (James Mark) Kirmer and Jennifer (Mary Douglas) Kirmer; one granddaughter, Missouri Douglas; sisters-in-law, Kathy (David) Hartley, Judy (Dave) Burghart, Loretta Kirmer; nephew, Terry Bennett and many, many friends. He will also be missed by his pet companions, Charley, Ginger, Claire, Sam and Cleo.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. A Celebration of Duane's life will be follow from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at The Landing, 2920 SE Croco Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604 or the Topeka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4775 SW 21st St., Topeka, Kansas 66604.

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