Raymond L. Johnson

April 18, 1927- Sept. 13, 2011

MCDONALD, Kansas -- Raymond L. Johnson, 84, died in his home in McDonald, Kansas on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011.

He was born to Dorsey T. and Ida Ruth (Joseph) Johnson on April 18, 1927 in McDonald. He attended country schools and graduated from McDonald Rural High School.

After graduation, he was inducted into the United States Army and served in the Corps of Engineers.

On March 20, 1948, he married Marlene Vandegriffe of Owensville, Missouri. To this union a son, David Ray, two daughters, Dixie Annette and Connie Jean, were born.

He was employed in several different businesses throughout his life and also worked for USD No. 319 as custodian and bus driver for 20 years.

He served as mayor of McDonald for 18 years and was on the City Council for six years. He was president of McDonald Area Development for many years and was a 61-year member of McDonald Federated Church, where he served as an elder and treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Tommy; and his sister Eula Vandergriffe.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; son David and wife; Elizabeth Johnson, daughters, Dixie and husband, Ted Bethel, and Connie and husband, Brian Sabatka; a brother, Robert and wife, Helen Johnson; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, 10:30 a.m. at the Federated Church in McDonald, with the Rev. Mark Adams officiating. Interment with military rites from Fort Riley, Kansas will follow the church service at the cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his name to be designated at a later date.

Visitation is today at the funeral home until 7 p.m.

Williams Funeral Home of Atwood, Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.