Maxie Gene Johnson

Maxie Gene Johnson, age 85, of Fort Collins, Colorado, died Tuesday morning, October 8, 2013, at MacKenzie Place, his home for the last 5 years. Gene was born October 9, 1927, in Oregon County, Missouri, the son of Kellis Oliver and Lillie (Millsap) Johnson. After graduation from Jefferson City High School in 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948 on Johnston Island in the Pacific. In 1952, four years after returning from his military service, Gene earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Gene married Betty Paul Sours on April 24, 1955, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was employed by the Product Development Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1955, Gene was transferred to Denver, worked with the Mountain States Telephone Company and traveled throughout the western United States through 1964. Gene retired from the Colorado State Employment Service in Fort Collins having worked as an employment counselor and assistant manager from 1964 to 1987. Gene loved being with and working with people. He loved music, especially Dixieland and played the piano and the violin. He loved to dance and sing duets with Betty. A favorite was, "There's a Warm Spot in My Heart for Tennessee." His hobbies over the years included taking cruises and traveling with Betty, bowling, golfing, fishing and card playing. He was also a life member of the Fort Collins Colorado Elks Lodge #804 for 44 years. Gene is survived by his wife, Betty of 58 years; daughter, Melanye of Maryland; sons-in-law, John and Christophe; grandchildren, Brian of Utah, and Christine of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Byron. His cremated remains will be interred at the IOOF Cemetery, Monett, Missouri. Gene's family is grateful for the help and support provided by his caregivers and nurses. Contributions can be made in Gene's memory to a charity of your choosing. Please visit www.goesfuneralcare.com to share memories of Gene and leave condolences for his family. As we close the chapters of Gene's life, we bid Aloha to our beloved husband, father and grandfather.