Pastor Dennis O'Neal Johnson, 64 of rural Columbus passed from this life June 24, 2018 with his children by his side.
He was born October 21st, 1953 in Webb City Missouri, the son of Jack Fare, and Barbara Jean "Nadine" (O'Neal) Johnson. Dennis attended grade school in Webb City, Riverton, and Columbus, graduating with the CUHS Class of 1971. He attended NEO A&M, and Ozark Christian College.
While attending Junior High he met his wife Joyce Ann Ruggels and in April of 1973 the couple married at the First Christian Church in Columbus. They resided in rural Baxter Springs for a few years before moving to the farm Joyce was raised on north-east of Columbus. The couple made that their home together for the next 40 years. It was the place they raised their children, taught Faith, hard work, and the values of life.
Dennis was an active member of the Columbus community, he worked alongside his parents and his brother Jack in the family business at Polar Pantries.
Dennis was a member of the Sherwin Christian Church, becoming the pastor in 1987, with his ordination service on May 22, 1988. He recently celebrated 30 years as Sherwin's pastor. He also was involved with the Columbus Association of Churches, The Columbus Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office. He also was involved in Cherokee County 4-H as a youth, as a parent, and as a leader.
He worked for a time for Charlie's IGA, Bob's Apple Market, Medicalodge of Columbus, Murdock Funeral Home, and Bath Naylor Funeral Home. Dennis worked countless hours providing for families in need, he ministered to families in the entire community during his life. He performed Weddings, Baptisms, called on the elderly in the Nursing Homes, and performed countless funerals for members of this and other communities.
Dennis is survived by his son Chris Johnson and his wife Holly of rural Columbus; his daughter Lacey Branstine and her husband Eric of rural Columbus; three grandchildren: Bethany, Isaac, and Faith Johnson. One brother Jack Johnson and wife Carla of Columbus; four sister in laws: Janice Sandberg, Marlene Clark (David), Lavon Lovell (Gary), Glenda Ragland, along with 10 nieces and nephews, and their children. Dennis also is survived by the congregation of the church he faithfully served, all who had a very special place in his heart.
Dennis was preceded in death by his loving wife Joyce of 42 years, his parents Jack and Nadine Johnson, his Mother in law Flossie (Frobish) Smith, Father in law, Robert Byrl Ruggels, a stepfather in law Vernal Smith, and one Brother in law Bill Sandberg.
Funeral services will 10 am Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus, Kansas with Pastor Galen King, and Pastor Gerald Griffin officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening at Calvary Baptist Church located at 625 East Sycamore Street, in Columbus, from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will follow at Lone Elm Cemetery in rural Columbus. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. The Family asks that memorials be made to Sherwin Christian Church for the Education fund of Mary Gathoni; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home.
Services are under the direction of the Bath Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus.
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