Family and Friends Donate Memorial Bench

The family and friends of Christopher Walker Johnson (1983-2001) have donated a memorial bench that will be placed in the plaza between Magruder and Violette Halls this week. Johnson, formerly of Lenexa, Kan., died on Dec. 15, 2001, at age 18 during his freshman year. His death was due to natural causes associated with a ruptured aorta.

Johnson lived in Ryle Hall and was a biology major with aspirations of becoming a doctor. He was a member of the judiciary board and planned to play baseball in the spring and become a student adviser as a sophomore. He would have graduated this year. His family continues to correspond with some of the close friends he developed during his time at Truman.

The bench was purchased through memorial gifts made in his honor to the Truman State University Foundation. The plaques on the bench will read “Christopher Walker Johnson, July 30, 1983-Dec. 15, 2001 Class of 2005; Pain is temporary, Pride is forever.”