Merle Johnson

Merle Johnson, 87, of Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away on August 25, 2025.

Merle was born on September 11, 1937, in Bird City, Kansas, to Velta (Pyle) and Harold T. Johnson. He graduated from Bird City Kansas High School in 1955. Merle served in the Army National Guard from 1956 to 1964 while also working at Underwood Service Station (1957-1959), serving as Assistant City Manager of Bird City (1959-1960) and as a heavy equipment operator for Chyenne County Kansas (1961-1968). In 1968-1972 he was owner/manager of Johnson Brothers Service Station along with his brother Mux. In May of 1972 Merle began his 27+ year career with Consolidated Freightways as a truck driver. During all this time, he had no accidents or tickets, which is quite an achievement. In 1992 Merle was awarded the title of "Driver of the Year" from among 11 other men who had been chosen "Driver of the Month" by the Kansas Safety Management Council. In 1993 Merle was transferred from the terminal in Liberal KS to the Dallas Texas terminal where he remained until his retirement in 1998.

Along with his different jobs, Merle served as a volunteer fireman in Bird City Kansas and a Deputy Sheriff for Cheyenne County Kansas. At a time when there was no ambulance service in Bird City, Merle and 4 other men established ambulance service by convincing the local funeral home to donate a 1953 Pontiac "hearse-type" vehicle to the city. Merle joined the National Rifle Association so he could become an instructor at a local gun club, which he ran. He was a member of the Catholic church and also a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. During his childhood, work and volunteer years Merle established friendships that would last his lifetime.

After his retirement, Merle and his wife Doris purchased an RV and hit the road, traveling from coast to coast and from North to South for the next 20 years. When health issues forced them to slow down, they parked their RV in Aransas Pass Texas where they became involved with local musicians in country jam sessions that created long time friendships with people from across the US and Canada. Merle loved to play guitar, sing and visit with the crowd. He was also a great history buff with knowledge of a wide assortment of facts.

Merle was the heart of his family – the one who held everything together with unwavering love. His advice was always thoughtful, honest, and grounded in deep wisdom and care. Whether helping navigate life's big decisions or simply offering reassurance in day-to-day worries, Merle had a gift for making things feel manageable-just by being there. For the past 20 years, he sent a "Good morning!" group text to his loved ones every single day without fail-a small gesture that brought comfort, connection, and a sense of togetherness. His weekly phone calls were more than a routine-they were a reminder of his devotion and love. Merle inspired a love of aviation in his grandson Taylor, who became a pilot and a skydiver, by taking him to the Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal KS. His granddaughter Codi treasures the memories of Merle playing guitar and singing during their visits.
Merle was a huge presence in the lives of his friends and family, and his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. Although our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that heaven just became more beautiful.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Velta Johnson; his brother: Harold Melvin (Mux) Johnson, and his son: Ricky Lee Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years: Doris Johnson from Aransas Pass, Texas; son: Randy Ray Johnson from St. Francis, Kansas; daughters: Ronda Renee Johnson Staats and Rochell "Shelly" Lanae Johnson Presley both from Wichita, Kansas; step-son: Richard Wade Behne (Jeanetta Behne) from Paul's Valley, Oklahoma; step-daughter: Lorie Gasso from Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren: Haley Jean Shaw (Matt Shaw), Taylor Staats, Dalton Moody, Chance Johnson and Codi Presley, Dusty Behne (Theo Behne), Cody Behne, Brody Behne (Kaylea Behne), Vanessa Hawley; great-grandchildren; Ellie Parker, Piper Shaw, Aubrey Behne, Nocona Wilson, Boone Behne and Briggs Behne; and sisters: Dorothy Elaine Chipperfield and Dolores (Dee) Gertrude Johnson both from Goodland, Kansas.
Memorial services will be held privately.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to one of Merle's favorite charities: ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Aransas Pass, Texas.