Johnie L. Boling

Johnie L Boling, 81, Wichita, KS entered his heavenly home peacefully on April 30, 2023, while holding his wife’s hand and surrounded by loving family members. Johnie was born to Raymond Boling and Bonnie Harris Boling in Bentonville, AR. Johnie spent his days as a youth growing up in Hiwasse, AR and attending White Rock School in Jane, MO. After his marriage to Marie Barnes in 1959, they made their home in Hutchinson, KS where he was employed at Smith’s Fruit and Vegetable Market. Johnie left Smith’s Market to accept a professional sales position with Famous Brands. The family moved to Concordia, KS in June of 1970 where they lived for 11 years before moving to Salina, KS. After moving to Salina, Johnie switched careers to the food service business. He and Marie relocated to Wichita in 1991 where he continued his career in the food service business for many years before retiring. If you knew Johnie, you loved his sense of humor. He was often quoting one liners from a variety of movies and always had a story to share anytime you crossed his path. He brought so much joy and laughter to everyone he was around. Johnie’s personality was bigger than life and he had a smile that was infectious. His steadfast work ethic was pervasive through his entire life which set an example for his children and grandchildren. Johnie was a devoted family man who provided, looked after and loved not only his family but everyone he met. What he embodied as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend was incomparable. Johnie was an avid Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan and always picked his “hero” at the beginning of every season. He was thrilled to receive a special letter of encouragement from Coach Bill Self when he received his cancer diagnosis. Many special evenings were spent watching music shows on tv with his loving wife and daughter. His family is hoping there will be Lawrence Welk TV in heaven. When not listening to music he enjoyed watching westerns, especially John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke. He passed along his love of westerns to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Johnie’s family always tried to outdo themselves for his birthday with unique gifts in his favorite color, ORANGE. In recent months the family purchased Johnie’s first iphone. His first text to his family was “I love you.” Johnie spent many hours searching for funny GIFs to text family members and enjoyed receiving them in return. Johnie’s iphone ring tone was constantly going off and many, many messages of love were sent and received. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie Barnes Boling; sons, Randy (Patricia) Wichita; Stephen (Dana) Salina, KS and daughter, Rachelle Goter (Bret) of Wichita. Grandchildren: Brock (Darci) Boling, Blake Boling, Drew (Jamie) Haden, Brennan Boling, Brett (Kel) Boling, Tyler Boling, Ross (Checotah) Boling, Jaden Goter, Josie (Noah) Hughes and Luke Goter. Great grandchildren: Graham, Nash and Knox Boling. He also is survived by his sister, Judy Huse of Gravette, AR and brother-in-law, Earl Barnes and his wife, Irene of Hutchinson, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Shannon and Rose Barnes; sister, Diana Simmons; brother-in-law, Richard Barnes and great-grandson, Jackson Boling. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Downing and Lahey West, 10515 W Maple, Wichita. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, May 5, 2023, at Central Community Church in the Chapel, 6100 W Maple, Wichita. A graveside service will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Lee Cemetery on Beaty Road in Sulphur, Springs, AR. A memorial has been established with: Lee Cemetery LLC, 10229 Fishback Road, Gravette, Arkansas 72736.