Orlyn Johnson
Orlyn Johnson, a former switchman for the AT&SF Railroad, died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Newman Regional Health. Mr. Johnson, 91, most recently lived at Holiday Resort; his former home was 1314 Chestnut St.
He was born Nov. 1, 1915, in Emporia, the son of Otho and Mamie Jones Johnson. He married Juanita Cooley on Sept. 2, 1934, in Emporia. She died Jan. 6, 2007.
In addition to his work for Santa Fe, from which he retired in 1967, Mr. Johnson also was the first bus driver for Head Start and worked as a custodian for the Emporia Public Library.
He is survived by two sons, Orlyn Kenneth Johnson and Gary Lynn Johnson, both of Olpe. Also surviving are three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
A sister, Valetta Kinder, died earlier, as did brothers Ralph Johnson, Evert Johnson and Paul Johnson. A grandson also died earlier.
Mr. Johnson was a member of First United Methodist Church, the United Transportation Union and the Lucky 13 Camping Club.
He is to be cremated. No services are planned at this time.
Contributions in his memory to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo may be sent in care of the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.