Wilbur A. Johnson

Wilbur A. Johnson, 84, of Topeka, KS, passed away Friday, May 11, 2012 in a farming accident. He was born April 23, 1928 in LaPorte, IN, the son of Benjamin S. and Beatrice A. (George) Johnson. He was a graduate of Springfield Township School in LaPorte, IN. He served in the Merchant Marines and in the U.S. Army during Korean War.

Mr. Johnson was a farmer and retired after 43 years with Allis Chalmers as a senior engineer. He was a caretaker for a 130 acre farm near Topeka for 23 years. He was a member of University United Methodist Church, Topeka, KS. He was also a member of the Excelsior Lodge No. 41 of the AF&AM, Scottish Rite, Orack Shrine, and Moose Lodge No. 980. Wilbur married Boneta "Bonnie" Aumsbaugh on April 29, 1949. They resided in LaPorte, IN, where they raised their three children. In 1984 Wilbur and Bonnie moved to Topeka, KS.

He is lovingly remembered and missed dearly by his two children, Cindy Johnson-Kelly, Woodland Park, CO, and Todd Johnson and wife, Janet, Macomb, MI; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Johnson, LaPorte, IN; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three siblings; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie; son, Rick; and four siblings.

A funeral ceremony will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 18, 2012 at the University United Methodist Church, 1621 Southwest College Avenue Topeka. Entombment will follow at Mount Hope Mausoleum. Mr. Johnson will lie in state after 3 p.m., Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, 4400 SW 10th Ave in Topeka's Gage Park, Topeka, KS 66604 or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Travel Fund, c/o Arab Shriners, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.