Harold C. Johnson

Harold Cecil Johnson, age 89, of Topeka, KS passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008 from complications resulting from a recent auto accident. He was born October 17, 1918 in Hartford, Kansas, the son of Ross and Elizabeth Johnson. Harold was the 6th of seven children that included four brothers and two sisters, all preceding him in death. Harold loved the outdoors from a young age and was an avid fisherman throughout his life. As a teenager he earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University, where he excelled as a basketball player and received his degree in Education. Upon his graduation, he was drafted into the Navy during World War II. He was discharged in December1945 with the rank of Specialist A 2nd class. He married, the love of his life, Dorris E. Tebben on January 27, 1940. They met on campus at Kansas Wesleyan and would travel much of the world throughout their life together. In 1948 the couple and their daughter moved to Parsons, KS where Harold and Dorris would teach at Parsons High School for many years. In 15 years as the basketball coach at Parsons High School his teams compiled a 190-35 record (84.4% percent victories) and won 10 SEK championships. For his efforts, he would later be inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and in 2001 the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. After giving everything to coaching he stepped away in 1963 to start a second career in insurance. He worked as an agent for State Farm until his retirement in 1981. Retirement away from family and friends did not suit Harold and Dorris, so after 18 months in Bella Vista, AK they moved to Topeka, KS to be closer to friends and family in 1982. Harold leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Dorris (Tebben) Johnson, a daughter Susan Hughes and husband Larry of Topeka, KS and a son H. Kemper Johnson of New York, NY. He also had two grandsons: John Hughes and his wife Stephanie of Topeka, KS and Jeff H. Hughes of Topeka, KS. He also had three great granddaughters that he adored: Taylor, Talisa, and Tateum. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to: KANSAS STATE HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION INC. In memory of Harold C. Johnson, P.O. Box 495, Topeka, Kansas 66601-0495. Helping to support the growth of positive learning through sports.

Harold C. Johnson

October 17, 1918 - July 27, 2008