Marvin B. Johnson

Marvin B. Johnson, Jr., age 82, of Elkhart, Kansas died Saturday, November 12, 2016, at Vibra Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. He was born September 11, 1934, in Vernon, Texas the son of Marvin and Alma Johnson. Marvin was baptized in Sundown, Texas.

Marvin was raised in Texas. He married DeLois Thomas on January 5, 1958 in Fowler, Kansas and moved to the state the following year. Marvin was a visionary as he was instrumental in developing the Dexter Cattle breed in the United States. These cattle were a pet project at sunrise and sunset as he continued to work at Anadarko. While Dexters exemplified Marvin’s taste, his passion for all creation included peacocks and llamas. Marvin also enjoyed fishing with friends and family. His love of nature extended to flowers of all kinds. He shared his imagination by planting and maintaining Heavenly Farms, or known to some as Marvin’s Garden. A collection that began with a 1931 Model A, blossomed into thousands of miles traveled, countless auctions and restoring classic automobiles. Marvin loved company and was never afraid to share his opinion. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, owned and operated Smiling Papa Johnson Ranch and Sales, and was a former president of the American Dexter Cattle Association.

Survivors include his wife DeLois of their home; son, Timouthy Johnson of Overland Park, Kansas; daughters, Suzanne Henderson of Lawrence, Kansas, Jonye Johnson of Manitou Springs, Colorado; brother, Edwin Johnson of Amarillo, Texas; and six grandchildren.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas Johnson; daughter, Shirley Warren; and grandson, Cory Warren.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Elkhart, Kansas with Reverend Ed Richards, Michael Lavielle and Colton Giddens officiating. Graveside service will be at the Fowler Cemetery in Fowler, Kansas at 2:00 PM with graveside rites conducted by the Masonic Lodge. Friends may call Friday, November 18, 2016, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the First Baptist Church with family present from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The family requests memorials be given to Heavenly Farms (Marvin’s Garden) or donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.