Kent Dee Johnson

He was born April 9, 1949, in Nebraska, but lived most of his life in Kansas City, MO. He was a US Air Force veteran.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Marjorie Johnson. He is survived by an army of friends and family, including his wife of 48 years and love of his life, Judy; son, Jeff, his wife, Susan, and children Samantha (and husband, Miquel), Jessica, Alexis, and Nicholas; daughter, Kelly, her husband, Laz, and children Lily and Ben; and daughter Maureen, her husband, Dallas, and child George.

Born as an only child, Kent created a big and rich family of kids, grandkids, in-laws, and friends from all walks of his life. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1967, and kept in touch with his friends there. Kent was an engineer for most of his working life, but don’t ask us what he did. It was too complicated. We know he used his cubicle on occasion to store Christmas presents, though, from mischievous children.

Outside of work, Kent had his hands in a lot of creative pursuits. He was a voracious reader, especially of mystery novels, and more especially of hard-boiled mysteries. So much so that he turned to mystery writing, joined writing clubs, and even had short stories published. His love of books and writing led him to great friendships with pals at Bloomsday Books. He relished his decades of capers with this crew, from riding antique bikes in the Brookside St. Patrick’s Parade to enjoying a drink and a chat, and another drink or two.

He also worked with his hands, building an addition and leaving a lasting legacy on the family home and bunk beds for Kelly and Maureen. It was helpful to have a nurse living two houses down when Kent’s tools were in use, but the projects got done. One of his favorite hobbies was cooking, and he was known family-wide for his Thanksgiving dressing. He owned nearly every kitchen tool or trick. Boy, did he make a mess, but it was always delicious. He even won an award from the KC Culinary Institute competition. But didn’t like to be reminded that he lost the family burger cook off to daughter-in-law Susan!

Kent loved old movies and movie stars, like Bogey and Bacall. But his love for movies spanned generations as he would watch Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter with the grandkids. He admired Harry Truman, he was a staunch Democrat, knower of ALL the trivia, and dog lover. His dogs Homer and Auggie were his constant companions and best friends. Kent even made sure to wear shirts with pockets to hide doggie treats for easy access.

Most of all, Kent strived to be the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend he could be. Everyone was welcome at his table, he bestowed affectionate nicknames, had dad jokes for days, always sent roses to his wife, was on a first-name basis with people who worked at his favorite grocery store, and loved to make his kids and grandkids smile.

A celebration of Kent’s colorful life is being held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 1-3 p.m at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. Drinks and desserts will be served. We encourage all who knew him to toast to Kent, Pop, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, or Popo. Interment to be held at Forest Hill Cemetery on Monday, February 19. Time TBD.