The Richmond News, Oct. 18, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we report that our dear Mark Kyle Johnson succumbed to his battle with ALS.

Mark Kyle Johnson was born June 18, 1957, to Leamon L. Johnson and Tanya “Terry” Johnson in Burbank, Calif.

Mark attended Graceland College (now Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa.

He was joined in marriage to Karen Louise (Darcy) in May of 1979. From that union, Mark was the proud father of two beautiful daughters: Lindsey Terrill (Johnson) Turner and Taylor Leigh (Johnson-Paradowski) Goolsby. He also was the proud grandfather of Knox Anderson Turner, Macy Marie Turner, Blakely James Goolsby and Miles Anthony Goolsby.

In addition, Mark is survived by his mother, Terry Johnson; and brothers, Duke Johnson (Sue) and Scott Johnson (Julia).

In October 2000, Mark was diagnosed with ALS. Mark fought a valiant 24-year battle against this devastating disease, taking it on with all the vigor and might his body could withstand. Mark spoke to Congressional members, seeking government funding for ALS research. He worked with the ALS Association from his diagnosis until last year, helping support ALS research through golf tournaments, ALS Walks, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and many other events to raise awareness for this crippling and fatal disease.

Mark acted as a mentor to new ALS patients, as he was an “anomaly” in the ALS community – he was a long-time patient (most ALS patients only live two-five years after diagnosis). We truly believe that Mark was a beacon of hope to all ALS patients and their family members, a true hero, fighting the battle for all.

Mark was always so special to many people. He was always one to never complain, never ask for assistance. In fact, amid his own fatal diagnosis of ALS, Mark continued to do whatever he possibly could for others.

Mark had his ups and downs in life. Who hasn’t? He had his regrets, too, but again, who hasn’t? We firmly believe that Mark made peace with his shortcomings, his failures and put on the mantle of the Almighty by being in the service of others for the remainder of his days. He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and continued to serve, inspire and help bring others toward recovery. Mark was an inspiration to all.

Mark was like his grandmother Neatha, in that when he needed something, he never wanted to burden others by asking for it, even though every one of us would have given anything for him. He was just that selfless as a human being.

Although this disease has taken his life from him, it will NEVER take his beautiful spirit. That will continue in the hearts and minds of every one of us who had the ultimate privilege of being a part of his special life.

Mark will live on in the hearts and lives of his family – his companion, Karen (Katie); his beautiful daughters, Lindsey and Taylor, and their families; his mother, Terry; and his brothers, Duke and Scott, and their families. Each one will cherish the memories of Mark’s unending love and commitment to them all.

Mark also will live on in the lives of his friends – his best friend Kathy and the countless others who also had the absolute privilege to know and love Mark, and who selflessly reciprocated that love.

Mark had a wonderful sense of humor and a profound ability to make light of “heavy” situations and still have fun. He loved to have fun and did a fantastic job of it. He was the most fantastic “Grandpa Mark” to his beautiful grandchildren and the “Funcle” to his many nieces and nephews as well. He brought as much laughter and joy into their lives as physically possible. The many stories of Mark being silly are what each of us will hold dear to our hearts.

Godspeed, Mark. You’ve done well, good and faithful servant. Rest now. We’ll continue to strive to live our lives in the service of others, striving to emulate what you stood for. We’ll have our own failures, but we will forgive ourselves and others and press on, trying desperately to do what we can to help each other.

We’re going to miss you, Mark, but we are assured that you’re at peace.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services were held Saturday, Oct. 12, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the services at 6.

Please share your memories of Mark with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.