Obituary of Willis W. Johnson

Sedan - Willis W. "Bill" Johnson Jr., age 83, of Sedan, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kansas. He was born October 5, 1925 in Moody, Texas to Willis W. Johnson Sr. and Sadie (Haggard) Johnson. He graduated from Waco High School at the age of 16 and enlisted in the Army in 1943 and was in for 2 years. When he got out he went to New York City to study playing the horn and he played with some big bands and continued his love of Jazz. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force and he got his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona. He lived in France and traveled all over Europe with his family. Wherever he was he was able to find bands to sit in with. Along with his line of music, he was also was a photographer. He lived a very contributing and fulfilled life. He served in World War II and had two tours in Vietnam. He retired as a Major from the Air Force in 1971 from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. He is survived by three children; Todd Johnson, Stacey (Johnson) Hoek, and Chris Johnson all of San Antonio, Texas; one grandson; Garrett Johnson of San Antonio, Texas; his first wife Ruth Johnson of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mary Wood; and his second wife and best friend Saundra Wallace. Family and Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2008 at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan, Kansas. Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Elgin Cemetery in Elgin, Kansas with Reverend Kevin Fogerty of the Chautauqua Southern Baptist Church officiating. The family has suggested memorials to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and these remembrances can be left in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.