Bob and Beverly Johnson were humbled a few years back — 2013, to be exact — when they were asked to serve as marshals for the Farm-City Days celebration.
“But it is an honor, probably much more so than last time, because this time, to have my son and his wife included, is a thrill. It really is,” he said
Two generations of Johnsons — Robert E. and Robert E. II —and their wives, respectively, Beverly and Melanie, are the city marshals for the 2019 celebration, which kicks off Friday, The farm marshals, Curt and Alisha Mueller, were profiled in Wednesday’s Register.
BOTH BOBS carry fond memories of the celebration’s early years.
“I remember, Dad was always reporting on it, so he was always hauling me around,” noted Bob junior. “We’d go on farm tours, to the Sutherlands or the Stricklers, and do hayrack rides. It always was a big deal.”
His father agreed.
“We had fun at the parade, but what I really enjoyed most was talking to the artisans, whether it was Herb Wilson with his arrowheads, to a lady making baskets or a guy with a forge,” Bob the elder noted. “It was always great to visit with people. And with the food vendors, you could gain 5 pounds just walking down the sidewalk.”
“We were always happy to do anything to help with Farm City Days,” he continued. “I’m glad they’re doing what they can to keep it going, and expand it, and take advantage of opportunities to make it better.”
BOB SR. and Beverly both grew up in Humboldt, began dating in high school and have been married nearly 54 years. Bob became a reporter for the Iola Register — a position he still holds on a part-time basis. Beverly, who went to beauty school, worked in Iola and Chanute until parenthood beckoned.
Daughter Brenda came first; Bob II a couple years after that.
Brenda and husband, Sean Lee, have two children, Hudson and Olivia.
BOB and wife Melanie left Iola for a spell after college for southwest Kansas.
Melanie, a licensed social worker, was hired as director of social services at a hospital in Satanta, a stone’s throw west of Liberal. The couple lived in Hugoton, where Bob, fresh out of law school, worked as an attorney.
Life was enjoyable there, with one drawback.
Having had four children in four years, oldest son Noah, twin daughters Emma and Alayna, and the youngest son, Maddox, both Bob and Melanie were eager to get back closer to family.