Booker Johnson

Booker Lee Johnson, 61, the oldest son of Booker T. and Mable Lee Johnson, was born Dec. 22, 1952, in Gonzales, Texas. He was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. Booker attended Gonzales public schools.

As a student in the schools and as an adult, Booker never met a stranger. He was friendly and had a ready smile for everyone. He was known for that special laugh that was contagious and made everyone else laugh along with him. A man of many words, he sparked a conversation with anyone he came in contact with, and whether young or old, poor or well-to-do, individuals of all races who came to know Booker referred to him as Booker, my friend.

Booker was a kind and generous person who always offered to help others. He had a sense of adventure and loved meeting people, doing activities, and going places. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his family. He loved to travel during the summer months with his wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren across the states.

Booker possessed a strong work ethic and was a loyal and dedicated employee of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for over 25 years before retiring due to illness in 2008.

Booker was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Gerri Hunt. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Cynthia of the home; three sons, Dwight McGarity of Charleston, West Virginia; Booker Zack Johnson of Topeka, Kansas; Travis Johnson (Vanessa) of Olathe, Kansas; three sisters, Kathryn Greathouse; Carolyn Brown (Carl) of Austin; Loma Scott (Louis) of Round Rock; two brothers, Billy Johnson (Virginia) of Killeen; Bobby Johnson of Gonzales; and his beloved grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Now that the Lord has called him home, we say farewell to a man who was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Homegoing services will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel at 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka, Kansas. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

Booker will lie in state and the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.