Elmer Johnson

Elmer William Johnson, 95, passed away on June 18th at Carmel Hills with family and friends around him. A memorial service will be held June 23rd at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Independence with visitation from 1-2 in the church parlor. Elmer was born on August 31, 1914 to William Henry and Alice (Grumke) Johnson. He was a 1935 graduate of William Chrisman High School. He served in the Army during WWII from Dec of ‘42 to Feb. of ‘46. He was married on June 1, 1947 to Dorothea Sehrt in Wellington, MO. They lived in Independence their entire married life. Elmer was employed by the Davidson Furniture Co. and then by Duff & Repp, retiring in 1974. He was a life member of the American Legion Post of Wellington, MO. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and a member of the Better Be Sunday School Class. He delivered Meals on Wheels for years after his retirement. He served on the Boy Scout committee for Troop 223 and as a project leader for the Royal 4-H club. He clipped and sorted thousands of coupons for the Independence School District Coupon Project. After he was unable to enjoy gardening, he enjoyed a new hobby of sewing sequins on felt calendars and wall hangings. Since suffering a stroke in 2005 he had been cared for by the loving family of Carmel Hills Healthcare Center where he occupied his time doing jigsaw puzzles. He was an avid Royals fan. His class motto was “Be a friend; the rest will follow”. Which is how he lived his entire life. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Johnson and sister Mary Fair. His survivors include his wife, son Thomas Johnson and wife Jenny of Independence, daughters Jill and Ed Hatcher of Blue Springs and Emily Johnson of the home. Grandson Matthew and Celine Johnson of Liberty. Sister-in-Law Margaret Nadler of Liberty. Several nieces and a nephew. His body was willed to the KU Medical Center for scientific research. Please make memorial gifts to the First Presbyterian Church 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, MO. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)