Darlene Johnson

Rita Darlene Gotmer Johnson was born September 26, 1944 near Gilliam, MO to John H. Gotmer and Olivia M. Gotmer. She was educated at St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Glasgow, MO and graduated from Glasgow High School. After High School, she worked as Telephone Operator for GTE in Columbia, MO. Later she worked for National Bellas Hess, Hardee’s and CITI Bank, retiring in 2009. In high school, played basketball and trombone in the band. As a freshman, she was reunited with her longtime friend, Richard Johnson. At that point, their friendship had gone back to when they first met through Darlene’s cousins who lived next door, while both were in the first grade. They dated off and on throughout high school and college, until they were united in marriage July 20, 1968. Once married, Darlene and Richard moved to the Kansas City area where they remain to this present date. On March 3, 1972, they were blessed with the birth of their child, Patrick Clinton, one of God’s special children. Patrick brought so much joy and love to both Darlene and Richard and was greatly loved by family and friends. Patrick went into the arms of God to be one of his special children where he could run and play like all the other children on November 12, 1997. Although Patrick was severely disabled, he lived ten years past his life expectancy because of the love and care he received every day from Darlene and Richard.

Throughout Darlene’s adult life, she was an avid sports fan of basketball, golf, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. She also loved reading and was never without a book or two in her hands. Darlene enjoyed square dancing, going to the various casinos, and after retirement, spending winters in south Texas. Since Darlene never was much for cooking, she and Richard ate out a LOT and enjoyed going to dinner theatre.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Richard, of the home, sister, Diane Bennett (Marvin), Salisbury, MO, sisters-in-law Louise Kneuvean (Jud) of Glasgow, MO, and Lanae Wagner (Dennis) of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, including Lisa Fuemmeler (Kevin), Curt Bennett (Brenda), Bryan Bennett (Lisa), Jud Kneuvean (special friend Julie), Richie Kneuvean (Tia), and Todd Wagner (Amy). Also surviving are the siblings of Ralph and Mary Johnson’s blended family.

Rosary Service will be held on April 23, 2021 at 10:30 am at St Charles Catholic Church, 900 NE Shady Ln, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 23, 2021 at 12:30 pm at St Charles Catholic Church, 900 NE Shady Ln, Kansas City, MO. Committal Service will be held on April 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Diamond Ave, Salisbury, MO. Serving as pallbearers are Jud Kneuvean, Richard Kneuvean, Bryan Bennett, Curtis Bennett, Kevin Fuemmeler, Todd Wagner.

Donations in Darlene Johnson's memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Salisbury, MO, St. Mary's School Endowment Fund, Glasgow, MO, St. Charles Food Pantry, Gladstone, MO.