Eugene Clark "Gene" Johnson

Eugene Clark "Gene" Johnson, Blair, Nebraska, was born December 17, 1929, on a farm in Esbon, Kansas, to Robert and Naomi (McCoy) Johnson. He died peacefully at home with his family at his side on November 18, 2014, at the age of 84 years.

Gene attended a country school and graduated from Esbon High School in 1947. Eugene married Corrinne (Underwood) on November 28, 1950. To this union a son and three daughters were born - Richard (1953), Rita (1954), Pam (1958), and Michelle (1966), Gene served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 - 1952. He graduated from the University of Omaha in 1959. Gene was employed by the airlines for 41 years, which enabled Eugene, Corinne, and family to travel extensively throughout the world. He retired from the airlines in 1995, and spent his retirement years on their acreage in Blair, Nebraska. Where Gene had a great love for the outdoors, animals, and Husker football. He was a member of the American Legion in Esbon, and a lifetime member of VFW Post No. 2503 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers - Donald and Warren Johnson.

He is survived by his wife - Corrinne (Underwood) of 64 years of Blair, Nebraska; son - Richard Johnson and special friend Robin; three daughters - Rita and husband, Bob Fleming, Pam Bunz, and Michelle and husband, Keith Lanning; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Eugene Clark "Gene" Johnson will be (was) Monday, November 24, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church, Esbon, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Mrs. Wanda Thummel was the organist, and Deanna Underwood, niece, was the soloist. The hymns were How Great Thou Art, Old Rugged Cross, and the congregational hymn, When the Saints Go Marching In. Casket bearers will be (were): Richard Johnson, Bob Fleming, Keith Lanning, Brett Abel, Tyler Abel, and Roger Underwood. Interment will be (was) in the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas, with military honors presented by United States Army Honor Guard, Ft. Riley, Kansas and Perry Lamb American Legion Post No. 368, Esbon, Kansas, and Emory Clemons Post No. 263, Burr Oak, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church, Esbon, Kansas. Visitation will be Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the mortuary.

Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.