Ross Eugene Johnson, 91, passed away on April 20, 2023. He was born on February 28, 1932, in Simpson, Kansas to Russell C. Johnson and Kathryn Bemcking.

He graduated from Abilene Kansas High School in 1950 and served in the Navy from 1951 to 1953. He graduated from Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas with both a BS and MA in botany. He received his PhD in plant ecology from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1960. He taught at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska and did research for the US Atomic Energy Commission on Project Chariot from 1960-1961.He joined the faculty at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas in the fall of 1961 where he taught botany, biology, and ecology until his retirement in 1997. While at Washburn University he served his term as Department Chair and as Faculty Representative to Athletic Department. He was a founding member of the KS Wildflower Society.

Dr. Johnson was a self-taught scratch golfer and at one time held the course record at the Topeka Public Golf course with a 64. He taught golf as a community project in Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James (KIA-WWII), Carl, and Jerold; and sister, Shirley.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Bowman; children, Jeffrey Bowman, Juliann, and George Russell; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Dr. Johnson will be laid to rest at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to The Bella Vista Animal Shelter, 32 Bella Vista Way, P.O. Box 5248, Bella Vista, AR 72714.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.