Pastor Duane B. Johnson

Duane B. Johnson was born Jan. 7, 1940 in Des Moines, IA to Allen and Thelma Johnson. He went to be with his Lord on Sept. 24, 2015, in Ellsworth, KS after a very courageous 3 year battle with cancer. Duane accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 17. The impact of Christ in his life was so strong he went on to start a Bible Club in his high school and was later called to serve the Lord in full time ministry. He graduated from Sadel High School in Des Moines, IA in 1958. Not long after graduation, Duane’s pastor’s wife set him up on a blind date for a youth party at the church. It was love at first sight. Duane married Jeanne Booth on Nov. 11, 1961. Duane received his pastoral education from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL, Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA and Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City, NY. Duane faithfully served His Lord for over 50 years pastoring several churches including; Bible Baptist, Huron, SD, Madera Baptist, Madera, CA, Calvary Baptist, Caruthers, CA, Fundamental Baptist, Livermore, CA, First Baptist, Yuba City, CA, Bible Baptist, Glenwood, IA and First Baptist, Lucas, KS. He also served for 2 years as the school administrator at Fundamental Baptist Academy in Escondido, CA. Most recently, Duane was teaching Bible at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility in Ellsworth, KS, through the Salvation Army New Beginnings re-entry program. In his spare time, Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf. He was a great handyman and enjoyed woodwork as well. Most of all, Duane loved his family. He spent his final hours surrounded by them with a smile on his face. Duane is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne Johnson of Wilson, KS. Son, Randy Johnson of Wilson, KS, Daughter Wendy Denham and her husband Brett, of Wilson, KS and son Andy Johnson and his wife Kristina of Delia, KS. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: BJ , Cassie, Ashley, Kesleigh, Tyler, Stefan, Kristian, Erica, Marcus, Payton and Zach. Duane also had 9 great-grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by his sister Alta and her husband Chuck Simoneaux of New Orleans, LA and his brother Bob and his wife Lois Johnson of Des Moines, IA as well as many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his parents.