Johnnie Lira

Johnnie Lira, age 60, of Ulysses, Kansas, took Jesus’ hand on Saturday, January 15, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born January 2, 1962, in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of Jesse and Delores (Vieyra) Lira.

Johnnie grew up in North Platte, Nebraska, Wellington, Kansas, El Paso, Texas, Satanta and Ulysses, Kansas. He graduated in 1980 from Ulysses High School. He attended Dodge City Community College on a wrestling scholarship. Johnnie began working at KDOT in 1988 and was the District 6 Area Superintendent. He married Marla Bushnell, his high school sweetheart, on December 14, 1984, in Ulysses. Johnnie was the best husband, dad and Grampo. His kids and grandkids were the light of his world and his purpose in life. Johnnie loved Jesus and it was very important to him that his family had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. He also had a heart and passion for helping kids, was a selfless man, and always put others first. He enjoyed being a coach for kids wrestling and baseball, and wrestling coach for Ulysses High School. He also served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and children’s church leader. You could also find him fishing and playing golf.

Johnnie is survived by his wife, Marla of the home; son, Kory Lira and wife Mallory of Yukon, Oklahoma; daughter, Lesha Doyle and husband Sterling of Yukon, Oklahoma; parents, Jesse and Delores Lira of North Platte, Nebraska; sister, Valery (Lira) Crocker of North Platte, Nebraska; brother, Jeffrey Lira of Elwood, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Connor Doyle, Bennett Doyle, Kylee Lira and Kashton Lira; mother-in-law, Mary Bushnell of Ulysses; as well as many other family members and friends.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Delvan Bushnell; and grandparents, Manuel Vieyra, G.P. and Mary Gomez, and D.J. and Rosie Perez.

Memorial service will be held Friday, January 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Ulysses with Reverend Todd Guinn and Pastor Kris Humphrey officiating. Memorial service will also be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home Face Book page. Inurnment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Johnnie Lira Grandchildren’s Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.