Jerome K. Johnson

Jerome Koester Johnson, age 92, of Concordia, KS, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with his family by his side at the Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. He was born on November 28, 1932, in the Nelson Township area of rural Concordia, Kansas to Charles D. and Mary L. (Mayme Koester) Johnson.

He graduated from Concordia High School in May of 1950. He married Joan Hoover on September 16, 1956, at the Presbyterian Church in Concordia, KS. From this union, Deanna, Kenneth, Brenda, and Rhonda were born.

Jerome was a proud veteran. He served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955. After completing high-speed radio operator school at Camp Gordon, Georgia, he shipped out to Erlangen, West Germany, where he served in the 48th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Self-Propelled). This was during the Cold War and the unit spent much of its time near the border with Czechoslovakia. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and the Good Conduct Medal. After returning to the United States in 1955, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.

He was a member of the Huscher United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #76, V.F.W., Masonic Lodge at St. John's Lodge #113, Concordia Chapter #45, Concordia Commandry #42, Hiram Council #10, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and ISIS Shrine.

Jerome farmed in the Huscher area. He loved farming, enjoyed owning and operating Johnson Electronics and talking on his Ham Radio. Jerome was happiest while spending time with wife Joan, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jerome is survived by his children: Deanna Leon (Stuart), Surprise, AZ; Kenneth Johnson, Concordia, KS; Brenda Johnson (Michael), Salina, KS; and Rhonda Ailslieger (Kristafer), Topeka, KS; grandchildren Joshua Leon (Susan), Sarah Kilpatrick (Troy), Stacy Duis (Jeremy), Michelle McKittrick (Jake), Katie Whitley (Levi), Emily Black (Colton), Ryan Johnson, Megan Johnson, Lauren Ailslieger, Morgan Ailslieger, Braden Ailslieger and 20 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Joan, who passed March 11, 2025.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS with Pastor Al Paredes officiating. Burial will follow at the Nelson Center Cemetery, Huscher, KS. Military honors will be conducted by the Ft. Riley Big Red One, followed by Masonic Rites given by Roger Walls.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1-8 pm with the family receiving friends from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to American Legion Post #76 or Sunset Home, Inc., in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences or memorial contributions please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.

The family has invited all to a luncheon at the American Legion Post #76 following the Graveside service.

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