John Otto Melvin Johanson

John Otto Melvin Johanson (Melvin), age 94 of Maize, Kansas, Retired City Building Inspector for McPherson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024. Preceded by parents, Ontario and Julia Johanson; wife, Deloris (Goodson) Johanson; and sister, June Barton. Survived by. sons, Troy & wife, Belinda of Buffalo, Missouri, and Lance & wife, Dawn of Maize, Kansas; grandchildren, Natasha, Crystal, Blake, Trevor, Brooke, Olivia and thirteen great grandchildren. Visitation 9:30am followed by 10:00am Funeral Service on Friday March 1, 2024, at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene, 1400 East Kellogg Drive North, Wichita, Kansas 67211. Graveside Service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, March 1, 2024, at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, KS. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Clean Water 5K (Malawi Wells), c/o Wichita First Church of the Nazarene. Melvin’s journey began April 25, 1929, born to parents Ontario and Julia Johanson, on a small rural farm nestled 2.5 miles SW of Lindsborg, Kansas. From the start, Melvin’s life was one of dedication, service, and unwavering love. Growing up alongside his sister, June, Melvin embraced the values of hard work and perseverance that is synonymous with rural life. His path was forever altered by the events of December 7th, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, igniting his sense of duty and patriotism. In 1947, Melvin embarked on a noble journey by joining the Navy. Stationed at Hickam field adjacent to Pearl Harbor, he honed his skills as a radio operator, navigating the complexities of Morse code and repairing radios. Melvin loved to talk about his military life and adventures while stationed in Hawaii and could recall so many of his flights between islands, delivering supplies to US Military installations. His service was a testament to his commitment to his country, earning him an honorable discharge in 1950, one month before war broke out in Korea. Post-military life, Melvin embarked on various professional endeavors, eventually finding his niche in public service. His tenure at the McPherson County Highway Department and the City of McPherson as Assistant City Engineer and retiring as the City Building Inspector spanned decades. However, Melvin’s greatest joy came from his beloved wife Deloris, whom he met and cherished as the love of his life. Married in 1955, Together, they shared over 6 decades of profound companionship. Melvin and Deloris were blessed with the adoption of Troy in 1961 followed up by the birth of Lance in 1964, two energetic boys who brought immeasurable joy and pride to their lives. Melvin’s faith was an anchor throughout his life, from his Lutheran upbringing to embracing the Nazarene faith alongside Deloris. His commitment to his faith and community was evident in his years of service at the McPherson Nazarene church and later at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene. As we celebrate Melvin, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is reunited with his “babydoll” Deloris. May his memory be a beacon of light in our lives, inspiring us to live with the same grace, dignity, and unwavering love that defined his life. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Mathew 25:21. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.