M. ORVILLE JOHNSON

1912 - 2015

Dr. M. Orville Johnson, former Supervisor of Music for the Independence, Mo., Public Schools and former Director of Music at the First Christian Church of Independence passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Foxwood Springs Senior Living Center in Raymore, Mo. M.O. was born on June 6, 1912, in Kansas City, Mo., to Martin and Beda Wahlburg Johnson making him 103 years young at the time of his death. He attended Westport High School graduating in 1930, The Conservatory of Music at Kansas City University (now known at UMKC) graduating in 1934, The University of Kansas with a Masters Degree in Music Education in 1936 and The University of Northern Colorado with a Doctoral Degree in Pubic School Music. He married his beloved Margaret H. Lozaway on Aug. 19, 1936, which means that they would have celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary upon the day of his death had Margaret not passed away in 2001. The couple continued their journey together with jobs in Miller, Kan., Rossville, Kan., Marysville, Kan., and Pittsburg, Kan., before coming to Independence in 1949. Their first daughter, Loretta Lea Johnson Toalson, was born in Pittsburg in 1939 and their second daughter, Sherry Louise Johnson Unruh, was born in Independence in 1951. M.O.'s career in Independence spanned two and a half decades during which he saw the new William Chrisman High School built where he actually had a band and orchestra room he cherished. He called that music room and attached auditorium his "dream come true." He taught both vocal and instrumental music at Chrisman until he was named Supervisor after receiving his doctoral degree in 1961. M.O. and Margaret were compelled always to contribute to their community thus M.O. served as the President of the Independence Lions Club, President of the Independence Community Music Association and President of the MMEA (Missouri Music Educators Association). Nothing gave him more pleasure, however, than directing both the First Christian Church Choir in Independence and the Foxwood Springs Choruses in Raymore, Mo., where the couple moved in 1984. M.O. enjoyed a music-filled life no matter where they resided. He served as both Elder and Deacon at First Christian and as a Parish Leader and Elder at Raymore Christian. M O. was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, sister, Evelyn Johnson Peck, and daughter, Loretta. Survivors include daughter, Sherry Johnson Unruh and husband Rod; grandchildren, Susan E. Stagg and husband Bud; Steven B. Toalson and wife Marci; Nancy A. Toalson and life partner Renae Weaver; Rick Unruh and wife Janna; and Kenny Unruh and wife Katy along with six great- grandchildren, Colin Toalson, Guin Toalson, Shannon Toalson, Christopher Toalson, Emmett Unruh and Nolan Unruh. His niece, Delores Grier, also survives him. A celebration of life memorial service will be Sunday, Sept. 20, at Raymore Christian Church, 500 Peace Drive, Raymore, MO 64083 with visitation starting at 1:30 p.m., the celebration itself at 2:30 p.m. followed by a light supper at the church for friends and family. Memorial donations can be sent to The City Union Mission, 1100 East 11th Street, KCMO 64106; Raymore Christian Church, 500 Peace Drive, Raymore, MO 64083; The Fellowship of John, Foxwood Springs Living Center, 1500 W. Foxwood Drive, Raymore, MO 64083; the Raymore Christian Church Music Department (address above); The YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, CO 80511. C