Ex-Lamar R-1 superintendent first victim of coronavirus in Johnson County, Kan.

Dennis Wilson, Lenexa, Kan., became the first coronavirus death in Johnson County when he passed on Saturday, March 28, just five days after tests confirmed he had COVID-19.

A graduate of Fort Scott (Kan.) High School, Wilson studied biology at Pittsburg State University and at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as school administration at the University of Kansas. A teacher and principal, he later served as superintendent of La Crosse USD 395 in west-central Kansas, Labette County USD 506 in southeast Kansas and Lamar R-1 School District in Lamar.

Wilson was known for his love of magic and had been a part-time magician for the past 25 years.

Wilson was married to Joanna Wilson. Together they had three children and also enjoyed being grandparents.