**In Loving Memory of Franklin Johnson**Franklin Johnson, a

beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed

away peacefully at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving family at

Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born on July 1, 1942, in Topeka, Kansas,

to Benjamin (Ben) and Rosella (Rose) Johnson, who preceded him in death.

Franklin spent most of his life in Hoyt, Kansas, where he made deep

connections and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a

member of the United Methodist Church in Hoyt, Franklin's faith guided

him through life, and back home. Additionally, Franklin was a member of

Golden Rule Lodge No. 90 and rode with the Shawnee County Mounted Posse,

which he enjoyed sharing that experience with his father at a younger

age.On July 6, 1963, Franklin married Nelda Parks, and together

they welcomed one son, while Nelda also brought a bonus son into his

life. Though their paths separated, their shared memories remained.

Franklin met Mary Lingren-Hiles & together have a son. They also

parted ways. On April 6, 1973, Franklin married Lucretia Smith, and

together they raised their three children in Hoyt, Kansas, 25+ years

before parting ways.Following

his graduation from Topeka high school, he furthered his education and

earned a Certificate in Computer Programming. He put his skills to use

as a programming clerk before transitioning to Santa Fe Railroad &

Goodyear Tire. Eventually, he obtained his CDL in the 70s and embarked

on a 45-yr career as a commercial truck driver. As an owner operator and

spanning over a million miles, he returned home and worked locally for

Kansas Sand & Concrete. He also served as a Union Steward for many

years, advocating for the rights of his fellow workers during his

employment there. He purchased another rig to haul grain locally before

going back to driving over-the-road until he retired around 2015. His

dedication to his profession was unparalleled, and he continued to

obtain all necessary endorsements, including hazmat, double, and triple

trailers, allowing him to handle any load with confidence and skill.

While also enjoying a short time driving as a team over the road with

his son Andrew.Franklin's journey through life was marked by

highs & lows, laughs, passion, orneriness, and steadfast love for

his family, his years of traveling while driving OTR, friends,

community, animals, and his horses. He graduated from Topeka High in

1960, where he continued to embark on a lifelong pursuit of knowledge

and learning. An avid reader and a lover of music, Franklin found joy in

playing a variety of instruments, from guitars and pianos to

accordions. He also loved to attend & dance all the dances. Dancing

everything from the jitterbug, square dancing, 2-stepping, &

waltzing, to breaking down doing the twist.Franklin's love for

being a trucker, driving, travel, and adventure took him across the

country, where he traversed the highways and byways, visiting all the

lower 48 states and Canada not once, but twice. He had an innate sense

of direction and often entertained his family and friends with stories

from his travels, & always loved to help when anyone reached out for

directions after they got lost, he had the spirit of a true adventurer.Beyond

his professional endeavors, Franklin's greatest joy came from

supporting his children and grandchildren in their pursuits. He

cherished attending their school events, concerts, games, horse and

rabbit shows, and 4-H events, often traveling hundreds of miles to be

there. Franklin's love for everything about, family, friends, country

living & life, hunting, fishing, animals, particularly his beloved

horses, was a constant source of joy and companionship throughout his

life.Franklin was strong and resilient, facing life's challenges

with courage and determination. He overcame numerous health struggles,

including quadruple open-heart surgery, battles with COVID, cancer, and

many others, with his trademark stubbornness and refusal to back down.Franklin

is survived by his four sons: and his daughter. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and five

great-grandchildren, each a testament to his enduring legacy of love and

family.His larger-than-life attitude, infectious smile, and

genuine warmth touched the hearts of all who knew him. He never met a

stranger and had an uncanny ability to find common ground with anyone he

met (usually). His presence brightened the lives of those around him,

leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering determination.Visitation,

Funeral and Reception will be held at Parker Price & Davidson

Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. Visitation

will begin this Saturday, February 10th, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the

Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., with Graveside services to follow at

Memorial Park Cemetery 3616 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.A

reception with the family to honor Franklin's memory will be held back

at the funeral home reception center immediately following the Graveside

Services until 3:00 pm.