Robert La Mar Johnson

Robert La Mar Johnson, 92, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025.

He was born January 21, 1932, in Huston, Idaho, the son of Earl and Estella (Tidwell) Johnson. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition from Brigham Young University also minoring in Business. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957. 

Robert was employed by Santa Fe Rail Road for 21 years and retired from KDOT in 1999. 

Mr. Johnson was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, of Topeka, the Topeka Symphony and Santa Fe Band.

Robert married Maria Alfaro on September 2, 1960 at Salt Lake City Temple in Utah. She survives. Other survivors include sons, La Mar Johnson, Ivan (Mindi) Johnson and David (Andrea) Johnson, grandchildren, Michael (Jess), Matthew & Katie (Sowensky), Weston, Aubrey, Carli, & Sadie, and NaRhea (Ben), Sylvee (Jack), Talia, & Justin, and great grandchildren, Tyoshia, Wyatt, Gabby, Markelle, Eskridge, Lucielle, Edmond, Ivoire and Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Archie, Virginia, Harold, and Geneal. 

Robert enjoyed composing, playing and listening to classical music and was fond of marching band music. He was known to play 4-5 instruments in the bands he was involved with. He had a love for foreign languages and was fluent in English, Spanish, French and German. He also loved riding and photographing trains and enjoyed many travels. He and his wife Maria served an LDS Temple Mission for 18 months in Bern, Switzerland from 2000-2002. They also served as temple workers in the Winter Quarters Temple from 2002-2007. He also enjoyed gardening and astronomy. 

A memorial ceremony will be held at a later date.

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.