Wallace Johnson

WALLACE "Bob" JOHNSON

Wallace "Bob" Johnson, 85, Olathe, KS passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2005. Burial Johnson County Memorial Gardens. The family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice (a special thanks to Annie, Neva and others).

Bob was born April 10, 1920 in Rosedale, KS in Johnson County, Kansas where he lived all his life. He was a 1938 graduate of Rural Shawnee Mission High School, and was a 1942 Graduate of the University of Kansas where he received his B.S. and M.A. in Education. While at K.U. he played basketball under Phog Allen from 1939-1942 and competed in two national championship tournaments. He enlisted in the US Navy December 8, 1941. His entry into the service was deferred until after graduation from KU. He became a Naval Ace fighter pilot flying in the VF-15 unit operating in the Pacific Theater. He received a Silver Star and two Distiguished Flying Crosses with gold clusters. He had a long career as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Shawnee Mission School District. He served as Vice-Principal at Shawnee Mission North and later became the first Principal of Shawnee Mission South. He was a professor at Ottawa University for several years.

He was a elected to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1983. He was a member of Heritage Community Church and served as an Elder Emeritus. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

He leaves his wife of 60 years; Adaline, children; Dick, Larry, Jani, and Bobby, seven grandchildren, and 1 great grandson.