Harold L.R. “Corky” Johnson passed away on June 16, 2022. He was born to Chester and Josephine (Heisz) Johnson on June 17, 1928, in rural Graham County KS.
He attended the Happy Home one room school and grew up on the farm. Early days he worked farms, dairies, and feedlots. He joined the army in1955 and was honorably discharged Specialist Third Class in 1957.
In 1965, while working in a Colorado dairy, he met and married Sherril Joan Kennedy. The couple moved to Lenora, KS and together raised 7 children Rebecca, James Martin, Robert, Susan, Vivian, Patsy and Ginger.
He began auctioneering in the 1950s and graduated “Colonel” from the Fort Smith Arkansas Auction School in 1970. He then started Johnson Auction Service. He worked for 24 years for Norton County from 1967 until retirement in 1991, most of that time operating a road grader. Many people in area called on “Cork” to plow their road or perform an auction.
He loved animals and hobby farming. Through the years he had cattle, horses, pigs, goats, bucket calves, ducks, geese and chickens. He had a rooster that ate out of his pocket and cattle that came when he called their names. He professed love for farm auctions, vintage tractors and the sale barn.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sherry; parents, Chet and Josie; a brother Wilber; three sisters Alice, Patricia and Lela and one son James Martin.
He is survived by 2 sisters, Glenda Stephen and Esther Headley; 6 children, Rebecca Rodriguez, Robert Holmes, Susan Bliss, Vivian Dietz, Patsy Gunn, Ginger Pursell, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Service will be held at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Mr. Johnson will lie in state from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS, with family receiving friends from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. that evening for visitation.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Logan Manor Community Health Services.