Andrew Benjamin Johnson, born on November 19, 1942, in Salina, Kansas, was the oldest of two children born to Truman Marion Johnson and Meta Hattie (Weinhold) Johnson. He was also the grandson of Bengt Anders Johnson and Maria (Magnusson) Johnson, and Charles Abyon Weinhold and Ada M. (Krappf) Weinhold.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Billie Johnson; daughters Andrea (Troy) Wiltse and Janell Johnson; stepdaughter Lynette Gettings; grandchildren Morganne (Trevor) Daddona, Alec (Laura Shine) Wiltse, and Ryan Johnson; step-grandchildren Kalyn Shunk, Jessie Gettings, and Cody Gettings; and great-grandson Lincoln Daddona. He is also survived by his brother, Chuck Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A driven and entrepreneurial spirit, Andy had a lifelong passion for starting businesses. He was always eager to try new things and embraced a wide range of interests. His first business venture was Earth Excavation in Salina, Kansas. He went on to found Diesel Equipment Specialists, with locations in Kansas and Colorado, as well as owned several other businesses, including Gage Plumbing, DAK Plastics, and Kansas Mini Kars, which made miniature Model T cars and other vehicles often seen in parades. In addition, he founded Westward Corporation, where he manufactured the RD-3 Airbrake Dryer for over-the-road trucks, a product sold globally and eventually acquired by Dreison Industries.  In his later years, Andy worked as a landman, a job he truly enjoyed for its travel and research opportunities. He often wished he had discovered the role earlier in life.

Outside of work, Andy had a variety of hobbies and passions. He enjoyed experimenting with new recipes, tinkering with his smoker, and hunting for treasures at estate sales—where he somehow always found a golf club or two, despite not golfing anymore. He was a big fan of NASCAR races and especially the Kansas City Chiefs. Andy was also deeply involved with the Midian Shrine, where he took great pride in his role in the Jesters and the Motor Patrol, driving his bright orange Jeepster. He was also a member of the Commemorative Air Force Jayhawk Wing, where he played a "critical role" in reenactments, setting off smoke bombs to simulate bombing runs.

Today, we celebrate Andy's life and rejoice in the knowledge that he has been rewarded with a place in heaven.

Come and go celebration of life at West Heights United Methodist Church Chapel - 745 N Westlink Ave - Wichita, KS  67212 on  Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Memorials are suggested to: The Midian Shrine -130 Topeka St  - Wichita, KS 67202