Vernon Louis Johnson, Sr., affectionately known as "Hawkeye",79 of Topeka, departed this life on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at a local hospital.
Vernon was born December 28, 1925 in Fergus Falls, MN.. He was one of four children born to Henry C. and Mattie Wagner Johnson Sr.
The family moved to Topeka when he was 6 years old, shortly after his mother's death, where he was raised by his aunt, Birdie Neelon.
Vernon attended Topeka public schools including Monroe Elementary. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Veteran's Administration Hospital for 20 years, retiring in 1971.
Vernon married Ruth Josephine Redick on July 2, 1952 in Topeka, She survives. Other survivors include sons: Ronald Johnson, Edina, MN, Vernon Johnson,Jr., Kevin Johnson and Daniel Johnson, all of Topeka; daughters: Cynthia Gadison and Damita Johnson, both of Topeka, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Walter Johnson, Minneapolis, MN; an aunt, Julia B. Wagner, Kansas City, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Mr. Johnson will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday and family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Burial will be in Topeka Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vernon L. Johnson, Sr. Memorial Fund, c/o Community American Credit Union, 1129 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.
A special message can be left for the family online at www.PenwellGabel.com.