Dennis A. Johns

March 28, 1936 – April 28, 2026

Dennis A. Johns, affectionately known by generations of students and athletes as "Coach" Johns, passed away on April 28, 2026, in League City, Texas, following a protracted illness. A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, IA at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Visitation will be held an hour prior. Following the funeral, Dennis will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Buffalo, IA.

Born on March 28, 1936, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Paul and Frances Johns, he graduated from Zearing High School in 1954 and earned his teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1960. He later completed a Master’s degree at Western Illinois University.

Dennis dedicated nearly four decades to the field of education. His career began in 1960 at Melvin Community School, where he taught and coached for two years. In 1962, he moved to Walcott, Iowa, where he served as a physical education and health teacher until his retirement in 1998. "Coach" Johns was a fixture on the football field for over 35 years. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom and the field; he spent an additional year as a volunteer coach after his formal retirement, unable to fully step away from the students he loved. The Davenport Community School District recently dedicated the athletic field in his name. Additionally, he coached boys and girls basketball.

A pillar of the Davenport and Walcott communities, Dennis was renowned for his extensive leadership and service. He was also a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, where he served as both a deacon and an elder. His commitment to youth development was further evidenced by his roles as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 4 and a softball coach for the Dad’s Club. Professionally, he contributed his expertise to the Audit and Finance Committee for the Teachers’ Credit Union for 12 years.

Dennis also found great joy in music as a highly active member of the Davenport Chordbuster Barbershop Chorus. During his tenure, he served as both President and Treasurer, was honored as "Chordbuster of the Year," and was ultimately inducted into their Hall of Fame. He produced an annual holiday concert, showcasing area musicians, as a food drive and fundraiser.

In his later years, Dennis moved to League City, Texas, to be near his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ella Louise Macomber Johns, as well as his parents and sister, Kathryn Long.

He is survived by his son, Charles Johns (Michelle) of Palatine, Illinois; his daughter, Laura Ann Teatsworth (Jack) of League City, Texas; and seven cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth, Peter, Andrew, Margaret, Collin, Nathan, and Madeline. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law,

William Macomber (Nancy), sister-in-law, JoAnn Macomber (Robert), and a host of nieces and nephews.