Kenneth L. Johnson, 90, Carthage, MO passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. Kenneth Lester Johnson was born on October 10, 1927 to the late Guy and Corda (Renner) Johnson. He graduated from Carthage High School, class of 1945. He was an outstanding athlete and lettered in 4 sports. After high school, Kenneth married Betty June Busby, and the couple had two children Stephen & Stanley. Kenneth joined the U.S. Army in 1946 and served in the Army of Occupation in post WWII Korea. Eventually, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Ken went to work for MODOT upon his release from the Army in 1947. He worked until his retirement as Senior Construction Inspector in 1989.
Ken and Betty eventually divorced, and Ken married Doris Wood on January 27, 1973; she preceded him in death on May 10, 1999. They enjoyed traveling and took many trips together. Kenneth had a long history of service to his community. While living in Monett from 1956 to 1968, he began and oversaw the youth baseball program and was active in the Lions Club and Jaycees. After moving back to Carthage, he was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Pythias, and Rotary. In recent years, he was a volunteer at Mercy McCune-Brooks and Meals on Wheels. Ken also served the Carthage community as a member of the Park Board, the Board of Public Works, City Council from 1990-1994, and was elected Mayor in 1998 and served an unprecedented 2 terms.
Survivors include one son, Stephen Johnson (wife Stephanie), Springfield, MO; three step-children, Robin Keeney (husband Ed), Salem, MO, Eric Wood (wife Terry), Joplin, MO, and Jeff Wood (wife Debbie), Anaheim, CA; a special nephew, Rick Pendleton (wife Deirdre), Carthage, MO; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Bonnie Johnson Pendleton, a son, Stanley, and wife Doris.
Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2017 at Grace Episcopal Church. Fr. Steve Wilson will officiate. Inurnment will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage Public Library, or Carthage Family Literacy Council in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
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