Vernon Johnson

Vernon K. Johnson, 78, died peacefully Sunday, June 27th, 2010 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center surrounded by his wife, children and their spouses, and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made in his honor to the church.

Vern, a lifetime resident of the Kansas City area, was born on September 21, 1931 to Lester M. and Eula M. Johnson. After graduating from Southeast High School, he attended community college before completing his degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas (class of 1952). Prior to graduation, he was asked to serve his country in Korea, which he did honorably for a year and a half as a communications specialist. He began his engineering career with American Standard and later started his own company as a manufacturers' representative in the heating and cooling industry. Vern met the love of his life, Vicki, in 1957 on a blind date. Having found a Kansas farm girl with exceptional culinary skills, Vern quickly developed a love of fine food. They were planning to celebrate 50 years together next year. Pursuing a lifelong passion for flying, he earned his pilot's license in his twenties and often said, "it looks like a good day for flying." His love of sports was boundless: he was an avid Kansas Jayhawk fan, he always enjoyed a day of tennis, golf or fishing, and he dedicated a lot time to coaching youth sports. Vern served in many capacities at Country Club Christian Church, including Elder. He was also a life member of the Engineers Club of Kansas City and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Vern is survived by his wife, Vicki Johnson, their three children, Mike Johnson, his wife Leigh Anne; Vince Johnson, his wife Sabrina; Andrea Krakow, her husband Jason; his brother Karl Johnson; and grandchildren – Garrett Henson, Hannah Johnson, Lily Johnson, Morgan Krakow, Isabella Johnson, Caleb Krakow and Gabriella Johnson.

Vern's life was punctuated by a deep faith and a strong sense of loyalty and integrity. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed. All who knew Vern were enriched by his feisty sense of humor and loving heart.