Gilbert "Norris" Johnson, 70, of rural Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, March 10, 2015 at his home.

Born November 10, 1944 in Paris, Texas, he was the son of Gilbert and Bessie Mae (Little) Johnson. He began his education in a country school in Harrison, Arkansas. His family later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Norris attended and graduated East High School.

Norris joined the United States Army on July 15, 1965. He proudly served his country on a missile site in Seoul, Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on July 14, 1967. He married Nancy Sell in June 1972 in Fredonia, Kansas. To this union, two children were born. The couple later divorced. He was united in marriage to Denise (Fischer) Wheeler on October 22, 2011 in Andover, Kansas. The couple made their home north of Winfield.

Mr. Johnson was a member of the Burden United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee. He was actively involved in the Midian Shriner's as a Class Director and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed his dogs and gardening. He loved westerns and was an avid reader of western novels. He especially enjoyed tinkering and restoring his cars and keeping them in parade presentation form. He had a strong heart for the Shriner's Hospital and loved spending time with his family.

His family includes:
His wife: Denise Johnson of Winfield;
His son: Chris Johnson and wife, Jeana of Arkansas City;
His daughter: Cindy Johnson of Bel Aire;
His step-sons: Joel Wheeler of Wichita; and Daniel Wheeler of Winfield;
His mother: Bessie Johnson of Winfield;
His parents-in-law: Gene and Pat Fischer of Atlantic, IA; and
His grandchildren: Haley Johnson, Paige Bates, Chance Johnson and Olivia Bates.

Norris was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at Burden United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Wilmot Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening from 5 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Norris' name for Burden United Methodist Church and for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.