Howard Kenneth Johnson was born on December 6, 1932 to Bettie and Harold (Hallie) Johnson in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away on February 21, 2015 at the age of 82. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1950. He graduated from Iowa State College in 1954 and entered the army, spending 2 years in active duty and several years in the reserves.

Howard was known for many things in Shenandoah. He participated in Boys State and All-State Chorus; and as a basketball player was named to All-Conference, All-Southwest Iowa, and All-State teams. One of his amazing feats was his record of 133 consecutive underhanded free throws at the Shenandoah Old Armory. He received a scholarship to play basketball for Iowa State and later played on a traveling team while in the Army.

At Iowa State, Howard met his bride, Mary Alice, a Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln High School grad. They were married in 1955. After his service in the Army, Howard returned to Shenandoah to work alongside his father and mother to manage a men's clothing store, which his father had purchased in 1949. That well-regarded retail store became known as Johnson Clothing, a family business where the community loved to gather to hear one of Howard's infamous stories - and to occasionally purchase men's clothing! This is also the location where Howard performed many stunts, one with mirrors that led Shenandoah kids to truly believe he could "fly." A third generation - his son Mark - joined the family business after Hallie passed away. Howard, Mary Alice, and Mark worked together until 1997, when Howard chose to retire and close the store.

Howard was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and he served on two chamber of commerce boards and numerous retail committees. He made almost daily visits to the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association, where he was a valuable resource for business history and community knowledge. He served on the Forest Park Manor Board, Meals on Wheels Board, Walk of Fame Committee, Museum Board, Ambassadors, Shenandoah Booster Club, and as a Kiwanis member. He was rewarded for his community service when he and Mary Alice were selected to be Grand Marshals of the Shenfest Parade in 2011.

Preceding Howard in death were his parents, Harold & Bettie Johnson. Living are his wife, Mary Alice of Shenandoah, IA; daughter Robin Kiser and her husband Ned of Lake Lure, NC; son Mark Johnson and wife Marcia of Shenandoah, IA; son Jeff Johnson and wife Joy of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Jason Kiser and wife Tiffany of Roanoke, IN; Aaron Kiser and wife Kelly of Villa Park, IL; Mackenzie Johnson; Casey, Carly and Cameron Johnson; great granddaughters Gwyneth and Estella Kiser; Camila Kiser; cousins and many friends.

The family will greet friends and relatives with visitation and viewing Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah.

A graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 prior to the Celebration of Life Memorial service.

Memorials in Howard's name are being directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the Page/Fremont Relay for Life.