Luther O. ‘Luke’ Johnson

Mr. Johnson died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

He was born March 17, 1918, in Burdick, the son of Elmer L. and Mary Ellen (Nelson) Johnson. He graduated from Silver Lake High School.

Mr. Johnson worked for Armco Steel for four years after high school. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in the South Pacific. He owned and operated the Ford Dealership in Eskridge from 1955 until he retired in 1981. He was a member of United Presbyterian Church in Topeka, American Legion Post No. 28 in Eskridge, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1650, Scottish Rite, Arab Temple, all in Topeka, and a 50-year member of Eminence Masonic Lodge No. 205 in Eskridge. He played semi-pro football in Ohio from 1936 to 1940.

He married Irma Henderson on Oct. 9, 1949. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Diane Douglas, Lawrence; two sisters, Verta Weidner and Ruth Bond, both of Topeka, and two grandsons.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Crable VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Eskridge, where the family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

The family suggests memorials to Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital or Midland Hospice, sent in care of the funeral chapel, P.O. Box 338, Eskridge 66423.