Gary H. Johnson

Gary Hubert Johnson, 72, Topeka, died Mon., March 29, 2010, at his home. He was born Dec. 11, 1937, in Bartlesville, OK, the son of Paul H. and Margaret J. (Roberds) Johnson. He graduated from Topeka High School.

He served six years in the U.S. Navy. For 43 ½ years he was an over-the-road truck driver for Fleming Foods general merchandise division, having driven 6.3 million miles. Gary was a life-long teamster and a member of Topeka Lodge #17, AF & AM.

He was married to Patricia Kay Freeman on Dec. 30, 1994, in Topeka. She survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters: Kathy Starks of Mayetta, Terri Johnson of Holton, Tammi Johnson of Topeka, and Sheila Wolf of Auburn; 2 sons: Alan Johnson and Gregg Bardsley both of Topeka; his mother: Margaret J. Johnson of Topeka; a brother: Blaine Johnson of Topeka; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Thurs., April 1, 2010, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Military honors will be conducted by Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion. Interment of cremains will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Richland. Gary will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wed., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.