Roy Leon Johnson

Roy Leon Johnson, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO surrounded by loving family.

Roy was born on November 13th, 1945, in Goodland, Kansas, and grew up on the Johnson family farm in rural Greeley County. He graduated from Greeley County High School in 1964 and went on to attend college before being drafted into the United States Army in 1969. Roy proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Following two years of service, he returned to Kansas to continue his education and help on the Johnson family farm.

Roy built a long and dedicated career as a beef inspector for the State of Kansas. Outside of work, he was deeply involved in rodeo, competing in bulldogging, bareback riding, and bull riding. He earned many awards throughout his long rodeo career but was especially proud of his championship at the XIT Rodeo in 1978.

On October 30th, 1987, Roy married the love of his life, Loretta. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with hard work, laughter, and devotion to family until her passing.

Roy had a lifelong love of animals. He took great pride in training and breeding horses and later developed a passion for raising and training border collies. His gentle patience with God's creatures and hardworking spirit shone through in all that he did. For many years, Roy was also an active member of the Church of the Brethren in Garden City, Kansas, where he nurtured his faith and built lasting friendships.

Roy is survived by his brother, Dale Johnson of Sharon Springs, KS; nephew Tom and wife Valerie Johnson of Oakley, KS; niece Jan Johnson of Hays, KS; nephew Ben and wife Stephanie Johnson of Sharon Springs, KS; nephew Kris and wife Lisa Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO; and niece Kori and husband Aaron Walker of Pratt, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bernice Johnson; his beloved wife, Loretta Johnson; his brother, Roe Johnson; and his nephew, Kevin Johnson.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (CST)on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Garden City Church of the Brethren with Rev. Bob Bates and Von Hunn officiating. Roy will be laid to rest beside Loretta at McClave Cemetery in McClave, Colorado at 2:00 p.m. (MT) on Saturday, September 27. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to the Garden City Church of the Brethren in care of the funeral home. Roy's life will be remembered for his service to his country, his cowboy spirit, his humor, his love for animals, and the deep care he held for his family and friends.