| Robert Lee Johnson |
Robert Lee Johnson, known lovingly as Bob, passed away on January 27, 2025. Bob was born April 17, 1929 on the family farm in Cushing. He grew up on the farm along with his sisters, Beverly and Judy. This is where he learned the value of his faith, hard work, respect for others, a curiosity for life, and a positive mindset.
Bob graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln in 1951. Upon graduation, he moved to Imperial to serve as County Agent. He then moved on to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his doctorate and met his lifelong partner, Barbara Stubbs.
It was there their sixty-seven yearlong love story began. They married the following year in June 1957.
Elizabeth was born a year later in Iowa. Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Davis, California where Bob was a professor at the University of California at Davis Farm Station. A few years later, a new job opportunity took him to the University of Maryland. While in Maryland, the couple welcomed their second child, Geoff. In 1965, the family moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Bob took a position in Agriculture Extension at Kansas State University (KSU). When KSU formed an International Agriculture Extension program with USAID, Bob jumped at the chance to participate.
With a great spirit of adventure, he and Barb moved the family to Nigeria where he took part in developing an Agriculture Extension program for the farmers of Northern Nigeria at Ahmadu Bello University. This gave the family many opportunities to travel throughout Europe and parts of the Middle East. Bob made lifelong friends while in Nigeria, and his love of Africa began.
The family returned to Manhattan, where Bob was very involved in raising his family, coaching Geoff’s teams, driving the kids to swim meets, and proudly cheering them on in whatever they were doing. He believed service was important, both in the community and on campus. He was a member of several organizations including Kiwanis, participated on many boards over the years, and served as Faculty Senate President at KSU. Bob and Barb were very committed and active members of Peace Lutheran Church, where they found great fulfillment in growing their faith and being part of a caring community for sixty years.
Bob’s love of Africa drew him back to projects in Malawi, Botswana, another year in Nigeria, and a three-year project in Uganda. He also traveled to Russia for a few projects before officially retiring.
Bob and Barb’s partnership was one of deep devotion, love for their family, shared adventures, intellectual conversations, faith, fortitude, and a joint zest for life. Bob was many things: a farmer, a teacher, a storyteller, a student of life, an explorer, a man of faith, a devout Wildcat fan, a property manager, but mostly he was always a friend to all!
Bob is survived by his children, Elizabeth Nelson (Steve) and Geoff Johnson (Jennifer). He was a beloved grandfather to six grandchildren: Trenton Nelson (Rawni), Scott Nelson (Madison), Evan Nelson (Sammy), Andrew Johnson, Matt Johnson, and Lauren Johnson; and four great grandchildren: Gabriel, Ona, Ruth, and Siena. He enjoyed playing tunes on his harmonica for all, sharing stories of his childhood and his travels, sharing the importance of healthy living, and sharing his love of ice cream.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Alfred and Elfie Johnson; his sister, Beverly Jurzenski; and several other beloved relatives.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kansas. Graveside services were at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Peace Lutheran Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome. com.
The Phonograph-Herald | February 12, 2025