Doyle Eugene Johnson, was born the youngest of four brothers on the family farm southwest of Kirwin on Bow Creek in Phillips County on June 16, 1928 to Arthur F. and Minnie I. (Eller) Johnson, and passed away on August 13, 2019 at the Phillips County Retirement Center surrounded by his family at the age of 91.

Doyle lived his entire life in Phillips County, Kansas.  He attended school in and around the Kirwin area and graduated from Kirwin High School in 1946.

Upon graduation, Doyle went to work for a bridge construction company that was working east of Glade on K-9 highway forming and pouring concrete bridges as part of rebuilding and straightening the highway.  During this time, Doyle came down with Rheumatic Fever.  He was bed-ridden for weeks, sick for over a year and had to learn to walk again.  He eventually was able to work again and began driving a truck hauling ensilage for a local farmer.  Doyle also worked for Maurice Rahjes building houses on the south side of Phillipsburg for a time and for a couple years, Doyle and a friend owned a Ford Tractor dealership in Glade - B & J Implement.  Doyle purchased a 1956 Chevrolet gravel truck and hauled "cover material" for Dane G. Hansen Construction as they sealed roads.  He then purchased a 1966 Chevrolet truck and began hauling "maintenance material" for KDOT on contract.  He worked in "the third division" – Smith County west to the Colorado state line.  During this time, Doyle collided with a train out near Colby, Kansas.  Doyle said he just wasn't paying attention and didn't see the lights flashing until it was too late.  He looked up and saw the train and then turned the truck to go with the train.  The truck rolled away from the train and popped the windshield out of the truck.  Doyle climbed out of the windshield and said the train engineer said he was sure glad to see him climb out.  The engineer said the train rose up off the tracks and then settled back down without going off the tracks.  In the early 1970s Doyle began working for Siebert Sand Co in Glade and later drove a truck for Conoco.  In 1976, he began driving for Farmland Industries and drove for them until his retirement in 1996.  He earned an award for driving one million accident-free miles and was getting close to having two million accident-free miles at the time of his retirement.

Doyle was united in marriage to Illa M. Chestnut on September 16, 1961 at the First Church of God in Phillipsburg.  To this union, three children were born:  one daughter, Janet and two sons, Curtis and Kelly.

He faithfully attended the First Church of God later known as the Community Church of God his entire life.  He served on the Board of Trustees, Building Committee, sang in a male quartet, and was an usher for many years.  After Doyle retired, he and Illa often delivered audio recordings of the Sunday church service to those unable to attend the service.  Doyle loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and started each day by reading the Bible.  Christmas Eve was a special time with family and always included Doyle reading the story of the birth of Jesus from the Bible.

He also enjoyed working in the yard with Illa in their retirement years and took pride in their work.  They spent their retirement years almost entirely in each other's company.  As Illa's health began to deteriorate, Doyle became her caregiver.  He truly loved Illa in sickness and in health.  During the last few weeks of Illa's life when she lived at the Phillips County Retirement Center, Doyle visited Illa there every single day.

His grandchildren were a source of great joy for Doyle and he enjoyed teasing each one.

Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Orville, Jarrell, and Arden, and by his wife of over 53 years, Illa.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet Wahlmeier and husband Stan of Burlington, KS; his son, Curtis Johnson, of Plainville, KS; and his son Kelly Johnson and wife Anne of Lawrence, KS.  He is survived by six grandchildren:  Ranie Wahlmeier of Russell, KS, Mary Wahlmeier of Lawrence, KS, Luke Wahlmeier of Manhattan, KS, and Rose Wahlmeier of Emporia, KS; and Emily and Trevor Johnson of Lawrence, KS; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Cremation was chosen.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 17, at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Church of God, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Robin McCollough officiating.  A private inurnment in Marvin Cemetery, Glade, KS, will be held at a later date.

Friends may sign the book Friday, August 16 ^th , from 9 a.m.  until 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Church of God or Hospice Services, Inc.