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Kenneth L. Johnson Dixon, MO QCWA # 20080 Chapter 55 |
Kenneth Lloyd Johnson, son of James Lewis Johnson and Ana Theresa (Dryer) Johnson was born July 6, 1923 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Kenneth served in the United States Army during World War II. He became the first Caucasian to join a black Army unit. During his service years, he island hopped setting up radio communication equipment. Kenneth was always an adventurer; an example of his courage was when he volunteered to try an experimental drug-Penicillin. In February of 1951, in the town of Racine, Wisconsin, Kenneth was united in marriage to Carrie Lunsmann. To this union two daughters, Sandy and Patty were born. Kenneth continued his love for electronics and communications by making it his life long career. He was very proud of the fact that he was a HAM radio operator over 65 years. Kenneth departed this life at 1:43 A.M. Friday, March 18, 2005 at St. John's Breech Medical Center, Lebanon, Missouri at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 12 days.
Mr. Johnson is survived by two daughters: Sandy Hurley of Phoenix, Arizona and Patty Morgan and her husband, Marty of Dixon; one sister: Ion Johnson of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and several other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.
A graveside service was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19 at Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery, Waynesville, with Rev. Rick Smith officiating. U.S. Army soldiers from Ft. Leonard Wood presented the flag and played taps. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.