July 28, 1935 ~ March 8, 2019
R. Edgar Johnson died unexpectedly on March 8, 2019, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, due to pulmonary fibrosis with additional complications from influenza and pneumonia. He was 83.
He was born July 28, 1935, to Delbert Edgar Johnson & Lillian Thelma Cottle in Caldwell, Kansas; they preceded him in death. He is survived by his two sisters, Janice Struble and Sharon (Ken) Carothers. He grew up on a farm in Chautauqua County and attended Prairie View school. He graduated from Sedan High School in 1953 as valedictorian. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1956 while participating in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He completed his Juris Doctorate at Washburn University in 1959.
In 1959, he entered active duty in the United States Air Force and spent 3 years as a judge advocate, honorably discharged as a Captain in 1962. He continued his military service in the US Air Force Reserves and separated as a Major in 1974.
Ed married Ruth Ann Cadoret in Stockton, Kansas, on December 19, 1964. They had four children: Crystal (Kip) French, Cynthia (Rick) Strahley, Roy (Shelly) Johnson, and Delbert (Jayme) Johnson. He has 9 grandchildren: Ilene (David) Atkins, Katrina French, Jairmie (Joanna) French, Luke (Tiffany) French, Matthew (Tara) French, Andrew Strahley, Melissa Strahley, Leah Strahley, and Molly (Nathan) Enebrad; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is survived by all.
He entered private law practice in 1963 until 1992. During this time, he served as the Geary County District attorney from 1965 thru 1966. He started the law firm of Johnson, Bengtson, Waters, and Thompson in 1972, and left it in 1982. He served as Junction City’s municipal judge from 1978 to 1992; he was affectionately referred to as the “Hanging Judge”.
After retiring from his law practice, he moved to Caldwell, Kansas, to help take care of his parents and to carry on the family’s farming/ranching legacy in partnership with his brother-in-law, Ken Carothers. They formed JB Trojan Farms and raised registered Polled Herefords. He also farmed wheat, milo, alfalfa and other crops, having retired in 2012.
Over the years, Ed actively supported his church and community with his time and talents. He served as U.S. Commissioner, Kiwanis District Governor, Salvation Army Board Chairman, and Deacon of First Christian Church. He also enjoyed coaching T-Ball and swimming. He was an avid gardener, fisherman, and deer hunter.
Baptized in the Main Street Christian Church on December 19, 1964, R. Edgar Johnson was truly a man of God. His life reflected his unwavering faith in Christ. We take comfort in knowing he has stepped into the presence of the Almighty.
Funeral services will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Central Christian Church, Caldwell, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in memory of Edgar to Manhattan Christian College and left in care of the mortuary.
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Ruth and family
Laverne Chapman - 03/10/2019
I am so sorry to hear of Edgar's passing. He was a wonderful man. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May the good Lord keep you in his arms and comfort you during this time.
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Rest , until you hear at dawn
Harry Simpson - 03/12/2019
Rest , until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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