In Memory Of
Darrell G. Johnson
1933
2022
Darrell G. Johnson
November 9, 1933 — December 18, 2022
Darrell Johnson, 89, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022 with his family by his side.
He was born November 9, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Robinson) Johnson. At two years old his mother, Elizabeth Ellis had divorced Darrell's father, Leonard Johnson and married Frank Ellis, who raised Darrell as his own son.
Darrell and Joyce (Rettig) Johnson were married on June 3, 1962. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June of 2022.
Joyce survives at the home in Topeka and Lanny Ellis, brother and wife (Judy) in Maple Hill, Kansas, and nephews, Gregg and Frank Ellis.
Darrell was preceded in death by his Mother; Elizabeth J. (Robinson) Ellis, son; Anthony Douglas Johnson, father; Leonard Johnson and stepfather; Frank Ellis.
Darrell was was educated in Topeka and attended Washburn University for 2 years. He sold newspapers on Kansas Ave. when WWII was going on in Europe. While at Washburn he sold cookware and cutlery as well as the (Household) magazine for the Capper Publication. Darrell was stationed in Germany and worked as a crypto operator for the Army. He was at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri for his basic training. Darrell was proud of serving his country in the U.S. Army. After returning from Germany, he received an Honorable discharge. He went on as an entrepreneur investing, owning the Rainbow Club and then he and his brother started in 1962 Capitol City Pawn Shop and Capitol City Rentals. Darrell along with Harold George and Lanny Ellis started the Kansas Pawn Brokers Association in 1971, and Darrell served as President for one year. There were many enterprising businesses with his brother Lanny with pawn shops in Nebraska and Kansas. Other businesses, multi-family housing, single family homes, commercial real estate. In 1976 along with brother, Lanny Ellis and cousin, Robert Robinson, they started Equity Buyer Investors LLC acquiring contract for deed and mortgages on home sales. Johnson and Ellis Investments a Kansas partnership still holding commercial retail rental properties. He was a true entrepreneur.
Darrell was a good golfer and enjoyed playing. He was a long-time member of the Topeka Country Club. Loved his dog Bentley and was generous to the Helping Hands Humane Society. He wanted Memorials to go to The Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, funeral ceremony will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka.
Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
To leave a message for the family please visit the guestbook below.
He was born November 9, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Robinson) Johnson. At two years old his mother, Elizabeth Ellis had divorced Darrell's father, Leonard Johnson and married Frank Ellis, who raised Darrell as his own son.
Darrell and Joyce (Rettig) Johnson were married on June 3, 1962. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June of 2022.
Joyce survives at the home in Topeka and Lanny Ellis, brother and wife (Judy) in Maple Hill, Kansas, and nephews, Gregg and Frank Ellis.
Darrell was preceded in death by his Mother; Elizabeth J. (Robinson) Ellis, son; Anthony Douglas Johnson, father; Leonard Johnson and stepfather; Frank Ellis.
Darrell was was educated in Topeka and attended Washburn University for 2 years. He sold newspapers on Kansas Ave. when WWII was going on in Europe. While at Washburn he sold cookware and cutlery as well as the (Household) magazine for the Capper Publication. Darrell was stationed in Germany and worked as a crypto operator for the Army. He was at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri for his basic training. Darrell was proud of serving his country in the U.S. Army. After returning from Germany, he received an Honorable discharge. He went on as an entrepreneur investing, owning the Rainbow Club and then he and his brother started in 1962 Capitol City Pawn Shop and Capitol City Rentals. Darrell along with Harold George and Lanny Ellis started the Kansas Pawn Brokers Association in 1971, and Darrell served as President for one year. There were many enterprising businesses with his brother Lanny with pawn shops in Nebraska and Kansas. Other businesses, multi-family housing, single family homes, commercial real estate. In 1976 along with brother, Lanny Ellis and cousin, Robert Robinson, they started Equity Buyer Investors LLC acquiring contract for deed and mortgages on home sales. Johnson and Ellis Investments a Kansas partnership still holding commercial retail rental properties. He was a true entrepreneur.
Darrell was a good golfer and enjoyed playing. He was a long-time member of the Topeka Country Club. Loved his dog Bentley and was generous to the Helping Hands Humane Society. He wanted Memorials to go to The Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, funeral ceremony will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka.
Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
To leave a message for the family please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Darrell G. Johnson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Faith Lutheran Church
Guestbook
Visits: 15
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