He was born on March 25, 1956 in Kansas City, MO to the late Paul Eugene Johnson and Peggy Elene Willmarth. Michael was a US Army veteran that enlisted in 1973 and was honorably discharged. He was happily employed as a game technician at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, KS for the last 15 years. Among Michael’s many accomplishments are: licensed cosmetologist, graduating from Hays Hairdressing School in 1976, also attending Vocational-technical school in Ottawa, KS obtaining his certificate as an Electrical Systems Technician. Michael enjoyed his vintage arcade games, tinkering and collecting, we know, it’s in the living room. He was known to his children as the “Arcade Master”. His extensive vinyl record collection is impressive. Michael’s love of music touched us all. And let’s not forget the comic book collection all lovingly placed in their mylar sleeves. He loved laying in bed with his cats Kirk and Shadow. Michael had many loves in life: window fan blowing all year round, that of course, had been recently cleaned with his tiny fan cleaning brush, watching reruns of Twilight Zone and anything MeTV, his knowledge and recall of all things sci-fi astonished us all. Michael enjoyed many of life’s decadent pleasures whether it was too many ice cream sandwiches or his daily large fountain drink, a steak just off the grill, morning coffee with an extra shot of Hazelnut creamer, his American Spirits or the Casino, sharing a McDonald’s Big Mac or a stop at the Dolly Madison Bakery for sweets during a road trip back to Kansas City. His pockets always had candy or trinkets for the grandkids. That shirt pocket also held the infamous comb for grooming his many looks, mustache and beard, shaggy or trim . The car console held the hair brush.
“Forever Young”
Michael was a friend, a father, a husband, a brother. We will miss his soft spoken gentle soul and quirky smile. You were our North Star. “Fly high with the Angels Michael”.
Michael is survived by his partner and wife of 30 years, Susan Lynette Johnson; children: Eli Joseph Johnson, James Hiatt, Johnathan " Mikey" Hiatt, Paul Eugene Johnson and Beverly LeeAnne Brooks; grandchildren: Zachary, Blake and Emily Johnson, Dakoda Knedlik, Drake Johnson and Mason Freed-Johnson; sisters: Paula J. Johnson-Browne and Judy Raydo; niece, Tina Marie Browne; nephews: Zach S. Finley, Chris and David Klamm; great-niece, Sierra A. Browne-Jenkins; cousins; Toni, Dee and Chris Clark, Pam Manthei, Penny Solis, Mary Whitson, Trish Myers.
Due to COVID a private family “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held at the McGilly and Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, KS. Masks Are Required. Please post and share your thoughts and memories with the
family.
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