Ancil Johnson

Ancil Austin Johnson, 78, died at Mercy Hospital Joplin, March 11, 2022 at 12:42 a.m., Ancil was born May 6, 1943 to Edward Austin and Virgie M. Weaver Johnson in Lake Springs Missouri. He attended and graduated high school in Rolla, Missouri and went on to college at SMS Springfield, where he completed a degree in Agriculture. Ancil married Karen Kay Beachler January 5, 1963.   Ancil served in the Navy for three years as an air traffic controller before pursuing his field in agriculture. He was employed at Aggieville in Springfield and later Lipscomb Elevators in Springfield before transferring to Liberal, Missouri where they have resided for over 50 years.    Ancil and Karen purchased 80 acres just outside of town in the early 1970’s. Through the years Ancil worked for Goldcoast Seed Company and KanAg in Lockwood, Missouri. He had a few business adventures along the way. Co-owner of the Liberal car wash and tire shop. He was owner and operator of AAA Feed Store. In 1980 Ancil and Karen became turkey growers for ConAgra for the next twenty years. Ancil purchased additional property in the area and became a full-time cattle farmer. Due to failing health his son Jason and grandson Austin have maintained the farm for the past 10 years with his guidance.    Ancil and Karen had a daughter Latricia that died shortly after birth, in 1964. Unable to have biological children they adopted twin boys Jason and Jeremie at age 2, and later  a 10 year old girl Christine. Ancil and Karen had many foster children through the years come into their home. Lastly, three girls: Tiona, Marie, and Syndi making their family complete.    Ancil enjoyed the outdoors, spending any free-time riding motorcycles, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. He loved his family but most of all he loved the Lord. He was a member of the Christian Church of Liberal, where he served on the board as a deacon and elder for 35 years before stepping down due to his declining health.   He is survived by his wife Karen of the home, 2 sons Jason and wife Carolyn of Liberal, Jeremie and wife Debby of Pittsburg, Kansas, 4 daughters, Christine Davis of St. Louis, Missouri. Tiona and husband Jesus Rodriquez of Ardmore Oklahoma, Marie Morgan of Overland Park Kansas, Syndi and husband Kyle Young of Lamar. 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, One brother Keith and life partner Peggy Conden, two sisters Theta Steinert of Springfield Missouri and Pat Bennett of Kissee Mills Missouri, four nephews and two nieces   He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Latricia Ann.   Visitation will be at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO, Wednesday, March 16th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.   Funeral Services will be at the First Christian Church of Liberal, Thursday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Barton City Cemetery in Liberal.   Memorial contributions are suggested and may be made payable to First Christian Church of Liberal or The Parkinson's Foundation in care of the funeral home.