Ray Johnson - Tonganoxie HS Class of 1953

Elliott “Ray” Johnson, age 83, passed away at his home on July 13, 2018. A Rosary service will begin at 5:30pm, followed by a visitation from 6 to 8pm, both Monday evening, July 16, at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Tuesday, July 17, also at the Holy Angels Catholic Church, burial will follow in the Holy Angels Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Church.
Ray was born on Oct. 26, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas. He grew up in rural Bonner Springs where he attended the Dafer (one room) Grade School and then Tonganoxie High School. It was at Dafer where he met the love of his life, Mary Theno, they married on Nov. 20, 1954 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bonner Springs. Together they made their home in Bonner Springs and have lived on their farm, in the home that Ray built, since 1962. Ray retired after 28 years from The Griffin Wheel Company in Kansas City, KS., and farmed his entire life. In later years, he enjoyed riding his John Deere Gator to “check on things”. Ray was a man of strength and took pride in loving his wife of 63 years, his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Old Westerns, especially ones with John Wayne, and tinkering in his shop. Ray loved to read Louis L’amour Western Books and overseeing the construction projects of his grandsons homes from his Gator. 
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Tillie (Ekholm) Johnson and one sister Martha Ann Theno. 
Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Johnson of the home, five children; Mike (and friend Jan) Johnson, Kathy (Mark) Theis, David (Kim) Johnson, Kenneth (Rhonda) Johnson, and Brian (Paula) Johnson. Siblings; Leon (Judy) Johnson, Carol (Jim) Long and Sharon (Johnny) Hylton. 14 grandchildren; Nicholas (Cherie) Greenwood, Thomas (Brandi Lewis) Greenwood, Gina (Chris) Concannon, Matt & Greg Theis, Megan Johnson, Brett (Sydni) Johnson, Taylor (Mitch) Streeter, Allie Johnson, Jake, Joe, Jeff and Jamie Johnson. Nine great-grandchildren; Mavryc, Mallie Greenwood, Mya, Maebry Lewis, Abigayle, Mackenzie Greenwood, Presley, Stetson Johnson and Quinci Lake. As well as extended family, Ronda (Dan) Porter, Luke, Danni, Drew, Maggie Porter, Jerry (Juli) Brown, Hannah (Terrance) Bailey, Gracie & Cash Bailey, Miles (Morgan) Brown, and numerous other special nieces, nephews and friends.