Carl S. Johnson

ELLSWORTH
Carl Steven Johnson, 74, of Ellsworth, KS, passed away on January 17, 2025 surrounded by his four children. He was born on April 1, 1950, in Salina, KS, to Carl and Gail Johnson, the second of three sons.
On May 23, 1971, Carl married the love of his life, Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Hudson. Together, they shared a beautiful life and raised four children: Travis, Justin, Mandy, and Kathleen. Mary preceded him in death, but her memory remained deeply cherished by Carl for the rest of his days.
In his early years, Carl served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy, a role that he talked about often in his later years. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Carl and Kathy returned to Ellsworth, to raise a family. Carl hired on at Cashco Inc. in the warehouse department in 1978. Carl retired from Cashco after 35 years of service having risen to the role of Vice President of Operations. Carl's loyalty and work ethic left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
Later in life, upon becoming empty nesters, Carl and Kathy made their home at Yankee Run on Kanopolis Lake, a place Carl held close to his heart. He spent countless hours fishing its waters, cultivating an incredible garden, canning Kathy's and his famous green sauce recipe and spending time with his family and growing number of grandchildren. The lake was Carl's happy place and you would regularly find him entertaining visitors at the kitchen table or out in the shop. Carl's love for cooking and sharing meals was a reflection of his spirit and his love for sharing with those he cared for. Carl had a love of cars especially the Corvette. More often than not you would find one parked in his garage.
Carl's life was rich with stories, laughter, and memories that touched countless lives. Those who knew him well remember his attitude of work first, play second. He was a no nonsense type of guy and would tell you how it was because he wanted the best out of you as that is what he gave you in return, his best. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Carl is survived by his children, Travis Johnson (Samantha) of Fort Collins, CO, Justin Johnson (Amy) of Ellsworth, Mandy Burger (Jerome) of Sylvan Grove, KS, and Kathleen Dillon (Chad) of Berthoud, CO; along with 10 grandchildren, Marlana, Byron, Madalyn, Aidan, Mallory, Carsyn, Christopher, Alexander, Stella, and Karl "Wylder", as well as many other family members and friends who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in every story shared and every cherished memory.
Services to honor Carl's life will be held this Friday, January 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth followed by a celebration of life at the Ellsworth American Legion from 2-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take time to share a meal with loved ones, cast a line at your favorite fishing spot, or plant something in your garden in Carl's memory, his favorites were tomatoes and jalapenos.
A scholarship fund for high school seniors who are interested in the fields of manufacturing and nursing will be set up in Carl's name. Memorials can be made out to Carl S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship for Education in Manufacturing or Nursing, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Carl S. Johnson, please visit our floral store.