Donald Earl Johnson

Donald Earl Johnson passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas, at the age of 93.

He was born on August 24, 1926 in Clay Center, Kansas to Oscar Johnson and Alice Arthur. Don grew up in Plainville and went to Plainville High School through 10th grade. In December of 1944, Don was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in November 16, 1946.

Don married his first wife, Joan (Bice) Johnson, on June 13, 1948 in Plainville. They were blessed with three children: Forest, Sue and Sarah. Joan passed away in 1986. He later married Marilyn Guthrie Spear on August 9, 1997 in Norton. Upon this union, he was blessed with four step-children: Brian, David, Donita, and Tracy.

Don worked as a rancher and a maintenance supervisor for the Presbyterian Manor in Wichita.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Plainville and was a Deacon in previous years. He was a VFW Post #8871 commander and was the last charter member.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn of the home in Plainville; a daughters, Gladys “Sue” Hays of Overland Park, and Sarah Plunk of Coweta, OK; step-children, David Spear of Jennings, OK, Donita Kaare of Olney, IL, and Tracy Orr of Oberlin; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Johnson and Alice Arthur; first wife, Joan Johnson; a son Forest Johnson; and step-son, Brian Spear.

A private family service will be held due to COVID-19 with a Celebration of Life service to be set and announced at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to VFW Post #8871 or First Christian Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, Kansas 67663. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease. com.