Doug Johnson

Douglas Heritage Johnson, 79, Hoyt, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 9, 2024. Doug was born April 26, 1945, to Roy H. and Emilie Langsdorf Johnson in Topeka. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1963 and from Washburn University in 1967. Doug married Karen Batey on March 22, 1974, and they enjoyed 50 years of love, laughter, family, traveling, and ribbing each other. His first job after his college graduation was at First National Bank before landing his much-loved career with the Information Technology Department at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, where he retired with almost 40 years of service. He served as a USD 337 School Board member for eleven years, from 1985 to 1996. He was a proud member of the Washburn University Alumni Association. Doug loved traveling, reading, working crossword puzzles, KU basketball, WU athletics, a well-made craft beer, martinis before dinner, wine with dinner, and "original pesto with any extra pine nuts you can find back there to throw on" (his words). He enjoyed listening to many different genres of music. He would sing along with all but Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion (and I imagine we know why!) As his sister, Ann, said, "He was always there for his family." He was an incredible role model to his children and grandchildren, always staying calm, steady, dependable, and offering good advice. He rarely missed a sporting event of his two children or five grandchildren, and that was a great many hours spent sitting on bleachers! Through freezing weather, rain, scorching hot temperatures, tornado warnings, winning, losing, you name it - he loved every minute spent watching and being with them. He was funny, smart, kind, and absolutely loved, and will be forever in our hearts. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; Roy and Emilie Johnson; brother-in-law, Bobby M. Thompson; nephew, Robert William Thompson; and grand-nephew, Ryan McCray Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Chris Johnson and Amanda (Jared) Barta; grandchildren, Brennan Johnson, Grady Johnson, Chantz Barta, Avery Barta, Trevi Barta; sister, Ann Ubert (Gary); sister-in-law, Suzanne Thompson; niece, Sara Haldeman Smith (Clint); nephew, Danny Ubert (Jaclyn); nephew, Greg Thompson (Pam); grand-nephews, Mitchell Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Carter Smith; grand-nieces, Summitt Ubert, Angelia Ubert, Chiara Ubert, Bellina Ubert; and many wonderful friends. His family will greet friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 24th, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 1 p.m. The family encourages everyone to bring their favorite stories to share at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS, 66614. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home.

Doug Johnson

April 26, 1945 - August 9, 2024