Obituary for Kathleen Dowling Prather Mellencamp Johnson
Mrs. Kathleen Dowling Prather Mellencamp Johnson, 96, of Seymour, went home to her Lord on July 20, 2020 at the Covered Bridge Health Campus. She was surrounded by her loving family. Kathleen was born in Vallonia, Indiana on April 22, 1924 to the late Emil Vernon and Myrtle (Denny) Dowling. On November 28, 1942, she married Donald E. Prather who preceded her in death on April 25, 1974. On May 10, 1984, Kathleen married Robert Mellencamp who preceded her in death on March 31, 1989. At Central Christian Church, on October 14, 1991, she married Don E. Johnson who preceded her in death on May 31, 2013.
Kathleen graduated from Vallonia High School in 1942. She was the oldest living member of Driftwood Christian Church where she taught Sunday-school to young children while she was in high school. She later attended Central Christian Church in Seymour. Kathleen belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star for 75 years, from 1945 to 2020; and was a member of Phi Beta Psi for 58 years. Kathleen held the office of State President of Phi Beta Psi in 1973 - 1974 and is a lifetime member. She was also a member of the Pythian Sisters, the female auxiliary to the Knights of Pythias. The American Cancer society was near and dear to her heart, and she volunteered many hours raising money for cancer research through Phi Beta Psi. Kathleen enjoyed playing bridge at the Elks Club and Covered Bridge prior to moving there. One of her greatest joys was playing Rummy and Crazy 8's, with Brenda and Steve; the laughter and loving competition was her favorite part.
Her first job was at the A & P Grocery Store, first as a checkout clerk and then in bookkeeping. She was there from 1949 until the grocery closed in 1963. In order to remain close to her daughter, Brenda, she then worked at Redding Elementary School in the cafeteria; also following her to Shields Junior High School and working in the cafeteria there as well. After her first husband Don passed in 1974, she went to work at the Jackson County American Red Cross in 1976 and was there for 12 years. The last eleven years, she was the Executive Director. During her twelve years with the Red Cross, she traveled to different places assisting during many national disasters.
Kathleen was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and trusted friend and will be missed by many.
Kathleen leaves behind her loving children; Steven (Sandy) Prather and Brenda (Larry) Montgomery; grandchildren, Jon (Allison) Prather, Cathy Jo (Jason) Otte, Amberly (Scott) Fletcher, Stephanie (Scott) Teipen, Joe (Lindsey) Montgomery, and Drew Montgomery; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; step-children, Mike (Linda) Johnson, Gary (Joyce) Johnson, Danny (Velda) Johnson, and Sherry (Coy) Smith; several step grandchildren; and a large extended family who she cherished. She also leaves behind her sister, Marion "Shorty" Fox.
Those who went before Kathleen are her parents; her husbands; brother Ivan "Pop" Eugene Dowling and stepmother Ruth Jackson Dowling, who was instrumental in raising her.
A private family funeral will be held at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Friday, July 24, 2020 with Rev. Steve Gonnel officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends and family may call at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 3:00pm till 6:00pm. There will be a private family visitation prior to the service on Friday. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic; face masks, hand sanitizer (provided by the funeral home), and social distancing is required while at the funeral home.
Memorials honoring Kathleen maybe given to Phi Beta Psi - Cancer Research or Donors Choice, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.