William Rex Johnson (1937-2020)

William Rex Johnson, 83, of Hutchinson, died Aug. 6, 2020, at his home. He was born Jan. 18, 1937, in Cushing, Okla., to William Abraham and Mabel Estelle (Bowen) Johnson.
Rex was a 1955 graduate of Lorraine High School, Lorraine, Kan., and served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962. He lived most of his life in Lorraine. Rex served as the city mayor, worked at the elevator, drove a school bus, worked at the First Baptist Church, and owned (along with his wife), Louise, the Lorraine Cafe.
He enjoyed gardening, building things in his garage, and watching the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. Rex enjoyed many things, but he loved watching his granddaughters participate in their activities, such as basketball and volleyball.
On Feb. 4, 1967, he married Louise Beagley, in Chase. They shared over 53 years of marriage.
Rex is survived by: his wife, Louise Johnson; daughter, Shirley (Brad) Yoder; granddaughters, Macie and Kaitlin Yoder; and sister, Marilyn Hines, all of Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Mavis Houser.  
Graveside service was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Lorraine Baptist Cemetery, Lorraine, with Pastor Lonnie Voth officiating. Military honors were conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.  
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Macie and Kaitlin Yoder Scholarship Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kan. 67501.