Herbert Keith Johnson, 89, formerly of Liberal, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born November 20, 1932, in Elkhart, Kansas, and grew up on the family farm near Liberal, Kansas. He was the son of Herbert and Echo Johnson. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1952, then attended the New Mexico Military Institute, Southwest Texas Junior College and later received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Sul Ross State University in Texas.

He worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company for 27 years as a Director of Safety and Personnel, based in Liberal and Brighton, Colorado, prior to retiring in 1993.

Keith was a member of the First Christian Church in Topeka, as well as the First Christian Church in Brighton and Liberal, where he served as an elder. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Liberal and Brighton.

Keith married Shirley M. Walthall on June 10, 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years in 2020 and his parents. Survivors include his children, Leslie (Michael) Hale of Topeka and Jason (Emily) Johnson of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Lindsey (Jared) Harper, Caleb Huss, Jesse Johnson and Elisabeth Johnson; and brothers Morris Johnson and Curt Johnson.

Keith enjoyed traveling, fishing, painting, woodcarving, welding, carpentry, stain glass, and spending endless hours in his workshop “tinkering” on stuff while listening to country music.

The family will greet friends and family on Thursday, July 21st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller Mortuary in Liberal, Kansas.

A Funeral Ceremony will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 10:00 AM at the Miller Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Liberal City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

The family would like to thank Legend at Capital Ridge for their care of Keith this past year.

Friends may leave condolences to the family through Keith’s tribute web page at www.millermortuary.net