STEPHEN JEFFERY JOHNSON, 65, of Wichita, Kansas died peacefully with his family surrounding him, hoping to protect him from any further pain, on April 2, 2009.

Born on May 5, 1943 in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of Maynard H. and Reba W. (Jeffries) Johnson. He was raised in Viola, Kansas graduating from Viola High School. He then went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University.

Stephen was united in marriage to Kathy Watt in Pittsburg, Kansas in April of 1967. The couple made their first home in Pittsburg. They also lived in Clearwater, Winfield, San Antonio and most recently, Wichita.

Mr. Johnson began his career with Cessna Military Division as a Contract Administrator. Later working for the Wichita Eagle and Watt Equipment of Winfield, he retired from Boeing Military Division after 25 years as a Contracts Manager on the KC-10 Program.

He was a member of the Viola Presbyterian Church. He was an avid enthusiast of Blue Grass music and the Walnut Valley Festival was an annual highlight that brought his family and friends together, much to his delight. The family will continue this tradition. Stephen was a self-taught luthier and was in the process of building a guitar for each of his children. He enjoyed building and fixing all kinds of things and had a keen interest in repairing stringed instruments. He loved to fish and hunt and had a general love of the outdoors. KU basketball proved to be a great source of entertainment for Stephen over the years.

His family includes:
His wife: Kathy of the home;
His children: Erik Watt Johnson and wife, Heather, and their son, Cole of Overland Park, KS; and Paige Anna Johnson and husband, David Root, and their daughter, Poppy of Prairie Village, KS;
His sisters: Jane Elliott and husband, Richard of Delia, KS; and Dana Flores and husband, Paul of Wichita, KS;
His mother-in-law: Evelyn Watt of Winfield, KS;
His sister-in-law: Linda Booth and husband, Jim of New Strawn, KS; and
A host of nieces and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Private family inurnment at Highland Cemetery will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5 to 9. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7.

Memorials have been established in Stephen's name for the Guitars For Kids Program through the Kansas Acoustics Arts Association, and for Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.