Mahlon Earl Johnson was born on his father’s Arthur County ranch on July 16, 1927 to Chris H. Johnson
and Almeda B. Stoddard Johnson. He passed away at home on January 19, 2013 at 1:06 P.M. He graduated from the
Arthur County High School in 1945. Then, on June 12, 1949, he married Nina L. Waits at her parent’s home
by Ringgold, NE. They made their frrst home on the ranch where they lived for 24 years. Three children were
born to them: Marlon LeRoy Johnson, Clinta Leone (Ron) Johnson Samuelson, and Lance Alan (Linda) Johnson.
Mahlon raised the top selling yearlings in the county for several years. He was a self taught welder, wood-
carver, and made exquisite jewelry. He built many things and rarely found anything he couldn’t do. He won
many ribbons in carving shows and persuaded The North Platte Woodcarvers they could have a show, which
proved to be very successful. In 2007 he won, “The People’s Choice,” for his table and, in 2008, he was
given an honorary table in honor of his carving accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Lee (Waits) Johnson; his children, Clinta (Ron) Samuelson, and Lance (Linda)
Johnson; plus six grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Samuelson, Toby (Elly) Samuelson, Jessica (Chris)
Kline, Crystal Johnson, Kristin Johnson, and Christopher Johnson; and six great granddaughters,
Grace, Addelynn, Naomi, Charlotte, Cora, and Etta; also, by one sister, Doris (Duane) Wilson of Arthur;
and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Marlon; his parents, Chris and Almeda Johnson; step-dad, Bill
Quick; parents-in-law, Clinton and Hildred Waits; sisters, Winifred Anderberg and Ethel Anderson; broth-
ers-in-law, Bill Schneede, Orland Anderberg, Lewis Anderson, and Mervyn Waits; nieces, Lorna Custer
and Leone Dunlap; nephew, Kenny Chris Anderson; and great grandson, Owen Shane Samuelson.
Mahlon became a dedicated Christian and faithfully read his Bible for many years. In 1969 he had a cancer-
ous brain tumor and was told he had four months to live. He made many picture frames after that time-old
barn frames for western artist, Ted Long and, also, hand carved walnut and other frames.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Gideons and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Ryan Alexander officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland, Nebraska.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today and Wednesday and from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.