Earl Duane Johnson, 88, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home. Known as Earl or EJ to all, he was a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas for the past year, after having lived in rural Edna, Kansas for over 50 years.
He was born on August 6, 1937, in Cherryvale, Kansas, to Jessie Dewey and Stella Adelna (White) Johnson. Earl grew up and attended school in the Coffeyville and South Coffeyville, Oklahoma area graduating from Lenapah High School in 1955, during his senior year Earl was also the school bus driver.
Earl was a dedicated husband, married to his beloved wife Helen since December 17, 1971. He spent 39 years working as an Instrumentation specialist at the Farmland Refinery (now CVR Energy), retiring in 1998. Earl was an ambitious man, fondly remembered for his declaration of wanting to be a cowboy when he grew up.
Earl was a member of the Tyro Christian Church. Earl's life was full of passion and hobbies. He was an avid bowler, proudly earning a 300 ring for a perfect game. He also had a deep love for horses, spending many hours training them and team roping. His other pastimes included horseshoe pitching and fishing. Despite these many interests, what mattered most to Earl was his family. His loved ones were the center of his universe, and he left no stone unturned in ensuring their happiness.
Earl leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his wife, Helen Johnson; his daughters, Kimberly Comeaux and Sharon Kuehn (Danny); his daughter-in-law Sharon Starmer; his bonus sons, Marc McConnell and Mike Jones; his brother, Jack Johnson; ten grandchildren, Earl Glenn (Miranda), Michael Starmer (Becky), Crystal Waun (Lee), Helen Robertson (Joe), Jennifer Buckley (Justin), Keith Allen Kuehn (Lisa), Victoria Adams (Daniel), James Van Fort, Paul Duane Johnson (Sheila), Amanda Denman, plus his bonus granddaughters, Monica Boyd, Dena Stevenson, and Tasha Long; twenty three great grandchildren, Trinton Kuehn, Jace Buckley, Blake Buckley, Makenna Kuehn, Trinity Kuehn, Weston Kuehn, Joseph Robertson, Sterling Robertson, James Waun, Ben Waun, Isaac Johnson, Riley Johnson, Bailey Denman, Carston Denman, Ben Glenn, Kiarra Glen (Dalton), Raven Irene Starmer, Jacob Glenn, Lacey Glenn, Kobe Glenn (Hailey), Demetrius Starmer, Reannon Glenn, and Juno; and seven great-great-grandchildren, Kwade, Grayson, Cleopatra, Novella, Jameson, Willow, and Emma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Stella Johnson; his sons, Chad Johnson and Rocky Starmer; two brothers; three sisters; and one grandchild, Shanna Mae Starmer.
Following Earl's wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. A memorial service celebrating Earl's life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Tyro Christian Church in Tyro Kansas with Evangelist David Bycroft, and Pastor Allan Swinson officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
The family suggests memorials in Earl’s memory to Tyro Christian Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
In memory of Earl, we invite you to share your favorite stories, memories, and photos on his memorial page at www.dwbfh.com.
