Curtis Delano Johnson, 88, of Emporia, Kansas, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his home.
He was born on Aug. 7, 1934, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, the son of Lincoln and Evelyn (Magnuson) Johnson. He married Linda L. Howard. They later divorced.
Surviving family members include son, Eric Johnson of Minneapolis; daughter, Betsy Zastrow and son-in-law, Nathan Zastrow; grandsons, Azuray and Ian Zastrow of Melbourne, Florida; sister, Ione Erickson and brother-in-law, Richard Erickson of Grantsburg; sister-in-law, Berdella Johnson of Grantsburg; eight nephews; three nieces; and his longtime caregiver, Penny Adams of Emporia, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Kenneth Johnson and Glen Johnson.
Curtis was a truck driver for PBX and IBP for several years before becoming a driver for LCAT in Lyon County. He served in the United States Navy on the USS Roosevelt from 1951-1959 as an airplane mechanic. During this time, he served in the Korean War and visited every continent. He was a member of Lowry-Funston Post 1980, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ball-McColm Post 5 American Legion.
Cremation is planned and burial will be in his family plot in Alpha, Wisconsin. Memorial contributions to the All-Veterans Memorial can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State St., Emporia, KS 66801.
