Robert E. Johnson

Robert Eugene "Bob" Johnson, age 87, passed away March 13, 2017 at North Point Skilled Nursing in Paola, Kansas. Bob, one of seven children, was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on February 2, 1930 to Eldred "E.A." and Clara Johnson. He attended Lowell Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Field Kindley High School, graduating in 1947. After high school, he worked for the State Finance Company in Independence and Coffeyville, Kansas as an assistant manager of collections and also worked for the Coffeyville Mercantile as a truck driver and warehouse worker. Bob was married to Betty (Noland) Johnson on November 1, 1952 at the First Christian Church in Coffeyville. They had four children, Peggy Lou, Kenneth Richard, Bobby Gene, and Nichelle LeAnn. After Bob got married, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and was trained as a chief medical technician. During his time in the service, he learned that service to humanity is the best work of life. He spent time at Ft. Sam Houston and Kaiserslautern, Germany and was honorably discharge in 1955. Bob worked at various administration jobs at many hospitals including Epworth Hospital in Liberal, Bucklin District Hospital, and Miami County Hospital in Paola where he retired after nearly 30 years. Following his retirement, he worked as an interim administrator for Great Plains Health Care in Phillipsburg, KS, Ellsworth County Veteran"s Memorial Hospital and a private hospital in Wellington, KS. He was then given the authority to oversee hospitals in Eureka and Fredonia, KS. Bob belonged to the Sunflower Chapter of American Association of Hospital Management and the Kansas Hospital Association. He was appointed a member of the Kansas Governor"s advisory committee to the Department of Social Welfare. Throughout his life, he also belonged to many civic clubs including the Jaycees, Lions Club, Rotary Club, American Legion, VFW, Optimist Club and Masonic Lodge. Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years Betty; children Peggy (Bill), Kenneth, Bobby and Nichelle (David); brothers Gary (Dana) and Larry (Bev); sisters Delores and Joann (Jim); grandchildren Codi Cutburth, Riley Redenbaugh, Kallista, Kolten, Micha (Kirstin), and Morgan Johnson; and great grandchildren, Taylor, Charles and Scarlett. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, sister Beverly and grandson Kyle. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Paola Optimist Club. To share a memory of Bob or to leave a condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories tab.