Kenneth Lee Johnson

4.26.1948 ~ 6.11.2014

Kenneth 66. of Redding, California, died June 11, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center, in Redding, California.

He was born April 26, 1948, in Van Nuys, California, to Bobbie Elbert and Jeannie May (Davis) Clements.

He attended La Puente High School in La Puenta, California. He was involved in drama and chorus.

Ken joined the United States Navy in January 1968 and retired in June 1989. He retired as an E6, and proudly served his country during Vietnam until his retirement. He then worked for the San Diego Unified School District, he was involved with the CSEA, helping the employees with their rights whether they were employed or retired.

But the one thing he was best known for was being "Santa Ken". Every Christmas season from 1970 to 2012, he enjoyed being Santa at various malls and stores throughout San Diego County and also in Redding, California. this was the time of the year Ken looked forward to, because of all the smiles he brought to the children that came to see him and that later brought their own children and grandchildren to see "Santa Ken". He would always remind them "to be good and help around the house and to eat all of their vegetables."

Ken was a member of the Vietnam veterans of America and rode with the Patriot Guard Riders both in San Diego and Redding.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Lee Johnson; mother, Jeannie, of Redding, California; brother, David and family; daughter Samantha and spouse; granddaughter Lovin; grandson Kyler; granddaughter Cheyenne; son Kenneth II; grandson Kenneth III "Cito".

His father, Bobbie Johnson and grandson Branston Alexander Dunn preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans Monument, NCVCSB - VV Monument, P.O. Box 177, Redding, California 96099-0177.