(From Meyers Funeral Chapel)
Joseph Edward “Joe” Johnston of Cawker City, Kansas passed away on Good Friday, April 3rd, 2026, at Wexford Place in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on his family’s farm outside Hoisington, Kansas, on December 23, 1928, to John (Leo) and Catherine (Finn) Johnston. He received his formal education in Hoisington and his practical education on the family farm. As a boy, Joe and his brother Paul helped their father deliver fresh milk to local families before heading into town for school.
The farmhouse, built by his grandfather in 1895, had no electricity. At just 15 years old, Joe purchased a book on electricity and wired the house himself. Indoor plumbing would come later—after his return from military service.
Joe attended Catholic grade school and graduated from Hoisington High School in 1945. At 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the occupation of Japan following World War II. During his service, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Medal of Occupation, Japan.
After returning home, Joe continued his education and eventually earned his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University. He worked in refrigeration and air conditioning in Texas and Kansas City before settling in Wichita, Kansas. There, at a young adult Catholic gathering, he met Mary Kathleen “Kay” Pahls of Cawker City, Kansas. The two farm kids were married in September 1959 in Beloit, Kansas. Joe cherished Kay’s large family and loved them as his own.
Joe and Kay raised their four daughters in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he taught at Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University). Although he enjoyed teaching, Joe missed the hands-on work he loved and went on to own and operate Joe’s Refrigeration. The family were active members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where Joe was involved in the Knights of Columbus.
Later, Joe and Kay moved to Salina for several years where he maintained the refrigeration equipment and HVAC systems for The Salina Country Club, before retiring to Cawker City, near Kay’s hometown and many of her siblings. There, they remained deeply engaged in Cawker City through the Community Club and the American Legion.
Joe was a lifetime member of the American Legion and held several leadership positions. He was the Kansas State Historian for over two decades, had previously served as Kansas Sixth District Vice Commander and Commander, and had been Commander and Adjutant of the Cawker City Post. He honored fellow veterans by playing the bugle at military funerals and placing flags at the cemetery on national holidays. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A man of routine and quiet discipline, Joe walked a mile each day well into his nineties. He was often the first to arrive at the Senior Center, opening the doors and brewing coffee for others. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, and fishing; and was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He served on the Central Kansas Library System’s Board of Directors and was a lector at Mass. Joe never missed an episode of Jeopardy! He was always eager to learn something new.
Joe lived independently in Cawker City until he finally started acting his age when he was 96. He was visiting his daughter, Nanette, and granddaughter, Lindsay during Christmas 2024 when he fell ill and was unable to return home.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kay; his sister-in-law Jill; his son-in-law Robert Young; and all nine of Kay’s siblings, whom he loved dearly.
Joe is survived by his four daughters: Nanette Johnston of Kansas City, Missouri; Barbara Schmidt (Ray) of Carl Junction, Missouri; Brenda Johnston (Robert Young) of Lawrence, Kansas; and Jennifer Felkner (Gary) of Leawood, Kansas. He is also survived by his five granddaughters—Lindsay McManus, Rachel, Veronica, and Allison Felkner, and Lucy Brown—as well as his brother Paul of Emporia, Kansas.
Joe was a man of deep faith, steadfast devotion to family, and quiet service to his country and community. He gave his heart fully to all three.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2026 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 612 12th Street, Cawker City, KS 67430. Committal service and urn placement will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. The family invites relatives and friends to gather afterward for a time of food, fellowship and remembrance in the school cafeteria across the street from the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards a memorial bench in Joe’s honor to be placed at the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, or to the charitable organization of your choice. Memorial bench donations should be made out to CAWKER CITY COMMUNITY CLUB and can be mailed to: PO BOX 178, CAWKER CITY, KS 67430.
Arrangements by Meyers Funeral Chapel, Parkville Missouri.
