Johnson, Merle R. 89, passed away December 15, 2018. He was born to Gertrude (Binford) and Orie Johnson on June 24, 1929. Merle was a proud graduate of North High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from Phillips University. He served as a staff sergeant in the USAF as an air traffic controller during the Korean Conflict. He later earned his master's degree from Wichita University. Merle enjoyed forty-five years impacting students lives as a teacher, guidance counselor and Friends University administrator. Preceded in death by his wife Ellen, siblings Harold, Wendell, Verna Evelyn, his daughter Jenna, and his grandson, Ben Jones. He is survived by his children, David Johnson (Lisa), Gina Lauer (Tim), Rebecca Janssen all of Wichita, KS, and son, Tom (Deborah) of Overland Park, KS, stepdaughter, Kay Jones (A.J.) of Battle Creek, MI, and stepson, Roger (Dawn) of Lenexa, KS, 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 9 nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 8 PM on December 20, 2018 with family present from 6-8 PM at Old Mission Mortuary. Services will be held Friday December 21, 2018 at 10 AM at Riverlawn Christian Church 4243 N. Meridian Ave. Wichita, Ks. A memorial has been established with Youth Horizons of Wichita.