After graduation George worked for the Southeastern Kansas Gas Company and in 1969 began a decades long career as a heavy-equipment mechanic repairing hundreds of Allis-Chalmers tractors throughout Bourbon and surrounding counties when he worked for Reasoner’s Repair in Bronson. He then was employed with Hillenburg Oil Company and added oil field pump-jack repair to his list of talents.
After hours he assisted his Dad with city superintendent duties such as treating the water at the city lake (good excuse to take the boat out and hammer it down) and repairing the light on top of the water tower. In later years he mixed paint for the presses at Ward/Kraft in Fort Scott until he retired in 2007.
He had a unique talent to build or re-work just about anything. He was a good cook and enjoyed displaying his culinary skills at family dinners and reunions as he was a great host. His famous “big” breakfast was a favorite and always included items from his garden. In his younger days he enjoyed working on and drag racing (including wheel popping) his 4-speed, dual 4-barrel 1964 Ford Galaxie with the 427 engine he built himself.
Other favorite cars in his collection included his bought-new 1969 Mustang Fastback and his 1992 Mustang convertible that escorted the grand marshals each year in the annual Bronson Day Parade. He enjoyed family camping adventures, boating and water skiing. He was often seen at Lake Fort Scott skiing on one foot (with the other foot in the rope handle) and cousin Richard driving the boat.
His greatest blessing was his family and friends; he always put their needs before his own. George will be missed but never forgotten. Those left to continue his legacy include daughter Melinda (Jim) Lambert of Wichita, KS, son Ryan (Renee) Johnson of Camdenton, MO, grandsons Ryland and Rowan Johnson, brother Roy (Nina) Johnson of Amherst, OH and treasured neighbors Mitch, Brandi and Harlyn Spainhoward of Bronson.
The last goodbye is the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away. Per his request, no public service will be held. George is now at peace and will be laid to rest next to his parents and older brother Glenn in the Bronson Cemetery.
His greatest blessing was his family and friends; he always put their needs before his own. George will be missed but never forgotten. Those left to continue his legacy include daughter Melinda (Jim) Lambert of Wichita, KS, son Ryan (Renee) Johnson of Camdenton, MO, grandsons Ryland and Rowan Johnson, brother Roy (Nina) Johnson of Amherst, OH and treasured neighbors Mitch, Brandi and Harlyn Spainhoward of Bronson.
The last goodbye is the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away. Per his request, no public service will be held. George is now at peace and will be laid to rest next to his parents and older brother Glenn in the Bronson Cemetery.
To honor his memory and help beautify the community he loved, a memorial fund has been established with the city of Bronson to fund benches for the city park and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywittcom.
