Thomas Dean Johannsen

Thomas Dean Johannsen, 72, lost a three-year struggle with cancer on Saturday, December 15, 2018. He was born August 3, 1946 in Springfield, MO and attended Central High School. At 18, he married Alice Plemmons, his wife for the next 54 years. Tom spent 30 years as a Foreman and Road Master with the Frisco and Burlington Northern railroads in Missouri and Montana, but he is equally known for many adventures. He raced cars, ran a marathon, and competed in a 100 mile triathlon. He won many local and national canoe races; and, in 1979, he and canoe partner Jim Short won The Great American National Canoe Race which began in Hutchinson, Kansas and ended in New Orleans. Both at work and during these adventures, Tom made many friends and mentored younger individuals. He was a life-long learner, even teaching himself to play the guitar--though he couldn't sing a single note on key. In retirement, Tom enjoyed bicycling, canoeing, hunting, reading and playing pool with friends at the Northview Center. He is survived by his wife Alice; daughters Laura Burdette and Dena Carver; son-in-laws Barry Burdette and Jason Carver; granddaughters Evan, Lane, Reagan, and Taylor; and great-grandchildren Lydia, Cayden, and Braxton. A celebration of life will be held on December 28, 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the T.J. memorial fund at the Northview Center, Springfield MO.