Everett L. Johnson

Feb. 1, 1923

Aug. 8, 2014

Everett L. Johnson, 91, Kansas City, passed away Friday August 8, 2014. Everett was born to Theresa and Joseph Karl Johnson, an immigrant from Sweden, February 1, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He went on to fight in WWII as one of Darby’s Rangers. The 1st Battalion of Darby’s Rangers received two Presidential Unit Commendations. After he was wounded in Italy, he stayed in the service as a photographer. He also sold war bonds and recruited WACS for the Army. Everett retired from Research Medical Center after 27 years. During that time, he was an active member and Honored Lifetime Member of the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City. He also became an accredited judge of the American Orchid Society. He built the house where he raised his children.

Everett was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann. He is survived by his wife Shirley Jean, her son, Bryan Hunter and wife, Trish; his children Theresa Myers, her husband Bill; Karin Sartwell, her husband Dennis; Steven Johnson, his wife Mary Kay; Susan Mathaney, her husband, Lyle; Bruce Johnson; and Martin Johnson, his wife, Cecil; along with 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Francis and wife, Betty, and a sister, Ruth Maple.

Everett’s zest for life and living, his sense of humor and his tenaciousness for doing a job, and doing it well, will live in the hearts of those of us who loved him.

Visitation will take place at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City Tuesday August 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM, with rosary being prayed at 7:30, led by Everett’s friend Deacon Frank Peak and the Knights of Columbus. Funeral will be Wednesday Morning, August 13 at 9:00 at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 900 NE Shady Lane, Kansas City. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the charity of your choice. Arr. McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119 816 -453-7700; www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com