IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased largely as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Sam Johnson

Family will gather with friends 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro to celebrate the full but humble life of Sam Johnson, 81, Marion, who peacefully left this world and entered into the presence of our Lord on Feb. 8, 2026.

Sam’s life began March 29, 1944, in El Dorado as the second of four sons born to John H. and Clara Lee (Stebbins) Johnson.

Sam’s journey was filled with incredible talent, countless stories, and cherished memories.

He attended Oil Hill Elementary School in El Dorado and graduated from Circle High School, where he discovered his passion and talent for working with his hands and excelled in the arts.

He was married from 1965 to 2004 to Paula Wyckoff. They raised two daughters together, Tonya and Tiffany. His daughters blessed him with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

He joined the Kansas National Guard in January, 1966, and was once deployed to Kansas State University in Manhattan. He proudly served seven years before his honorable discharge in 1973.

Sam learned the dental laboratory technology business and completed an apprenticeship in El Dorado. He planned to learn everything about dental technology and open his own laboratory.

In 1969, Sam opened Marion Dental Laboratory, where he worked with dentists in Marion and Harvey Counties for more than 45 years.

His first lab was in the basement of Dr. E.K. Schroeder’s office on the corner of Main and Roosevelt Sts. in Marion.

Several years later he moved his lab to Dr. R.J. Tippin’s office in Hillsboro.

Finally, Sam semi-retired and moved Marion Dental Lab one more time to his home, where he worked with Dr. G.A. Vinduska.

He owned and operated his business, working with several dentists, until his full retirement in 2014.

Sam was known as father, husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandpa, great-grandpa, neighbor, and friend. He was a witty but wise man with a kind heart, always ready to lend an ear to family and friends.

Being skilled with his hands, he designed and created many gifts for his family and friends.

Granddaughters and great-granddaughters received beautifully handmade jewelry boxes while grandsons received felt-lined wooden boxes for their handguns. Each box was uniquely designed with meticulous attention to detail.

Most recently, he custom designed 18 wooden walking sticks, each unique and inlaid with contrasting kinds of wood. The tip of each handle was topped with a medallion, pendant, or coin to be personalized for the specific recipient.

He enjoyed riding and training horses, and this is where he merged his passions for the outdoors, horses, and woodworking.

He restored horse-drawn carriage vehicles and spent time in Yoder with an Amish man to learn the art of handmade wooden wheels.

On one project, he and a buddy unearthed iron springs and hubs that were left from an abandoned buckboard found sticking up out of the ground in a pasture in the Flint Hills.

He restored the iron parts and built a complete frame, wooden seat, and wheels for the cart. He owned a few horses and mules through the years.

Another project was restoration of a 1949 Ferguson TE20 tractor. The “Little Grey Fergie” was a lot of fun and came in handy for snow removal in the winter.

Sam had a passion for the outdoors. Whether in a tree stand or trolling in a bass boat, he loved nature.

He taught his daughters the Hunter’s Safety Course while they were young. Sam was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Marion Saddle Club, where he served as treasurer.

The Flint Hills spoke to his heart. He lived his life at the foot of the Flint Hills, where he loved to spend his time. He took many drives through the hills, and his favorite time of year was springtime.

He also enjoyed writing and reciting cowboy poetry. He and his late brother, Jonnie, recited poetry around the state and at the reopening of the Wichita Boathouse in the 1990s.

Sam was a smart, talented man with a quick sense of humor, always ready with a laugh or a good joke.

Sam is survived by two daughters, Tonya (and husband Gary) Porterfield and Tiffany Harper, of Wichita; his former wife, Paula (and husband Richard) Edwards of Halstead; his six grandchildren, Paul Hodson of Kansas City; Corrine (and husband Matthew) Haukap of Cheney; Casey Baliel of Pratt; Patrick Hodson of Waukesha, Wisconsin; Cheyenne (and husband Cale) Walsh of Garden Plain; and Colbie Harper of Hutchinson; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Mark (and wife Connie) Johnson, and sister-in-law, Debbie Johnson, of El Dorado; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear neighbors, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Aarron Kale Johnson; parents; brothers Jonnie Johnson and Dennis Johnson; and nephew Kegan Johnson.

Sam’s grandchildren carried on the skills taught to them by their grandfather. They restored his woodworking shop and lovingly built a wooden urn that will contain their grandfather’s final remains.

A private family committal will be at Walnut Valley Cemetery in El Dorado, where Sam will be laid to rest next to his late son, Aarron.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Marion Senior Center. Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.