Mark Andrew Johnson

On December 28th, Mark Andrew Johnson peacefully entered the gates of Heaven to be with the Lord. Mark was born on July 14th, 1952, and a lifelong resident of Independence, Kansas. 

Throughout his educational years, he attended the Lutheran school followed by Independence High School. This is where he met the love of his life Debbie Pasternak. In August 2024, they celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage. Mark attended Pittsburg State University where he earned a double major in Graphic Design and Industrial Arts. In 1976, Mark opened Johnson Advertising where he started his career in painting, framing, and sign design. Mark was known for his community paintings of the Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo and logo designs for Neewollah. In 1995 he acquired Whistler Glass and Building Supply which he owned and operated for almost 30 years. 

Mark's passions included art, fishing, golfing and anything else related to the outdoors. Most of all, he had a love for his family while building so many memories along the way. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years (Debbie), 2 sons, Dustin (Kristen) and Cameron (Krista), 3 Grandchildren (Bennett, Leighton and Phoebe) and Donna Schaid (mother-in-law). Mark is also survived by his sister Diane Lewis (Ernie) and brother Ralph Johnson (Sharon), Bob Pasternak (Marsha), Dan Pasternak (Kit) and Tammy Leeseberg (Roger) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents (Arthur and Hilda Johnson), brother (James Johnson) and 2 fathers-in-law (Carl Pasternak and Jack Schaid)

To know Mark was to love him and he loved everyone around him. In his later years, Mark took up golf and loved nothing more than to share golf stories about his buddies. He loved to capture special moments in time through his paintings and that is how he will always be remembered. He has left a loving impression on us all and now he can soar with the Angels above.

The family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made out to The First United Methodist Church of Independence, Kansas; AWOL Humane Society (local animal shelter) https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=J8UTUSV4CJ468 ; FORPAZ (Independence Park & Zoo) https://forpaz.com/donate/