Leon Edward Johnson

Life’s Reflection

Leon Edward Johnson was born into the loving arms of Elizabeth Stewart (Gaines) and Nolan Spencer Johnson on April 17, 1930.  He was the third son of this union. Preceded in life and death by his brothers, Nolan Spencer Johnson Jr. and Ivan Keith Johnson.

As a high school student, he participated in varsity sports and lettered in each of these sports, which included basketball and baseball.  After high school he entered the US Army and spent time stationed in France and also in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Upon his release from the armed services he found employment in Kansas City for the City Water Department.  It was while in Kansas City that he met and fell in love with a young nursing student, Melva Cole, who would become his devoted wife.

There were no children born to this union, however, they doted on their nieces and nephews with their love and caring concern.  Leon and Melva enjoyed traveling that took them to California, Hawaii, Seattle, Washington, DC and Atlanta, and many other points of interest.  As a couple they both enjoyed all types of music, especially the blues and rhythm and blues.   Their love for music took them to many concerts by their favorite artists at various venues in the Kansas City/Topeka area.  They enjoyed attending dances and entertaining, which they did on many occasions in their home.

Leon was an avid sports fan, loving all sports, but his favorites were baseball and basketball that occupied many hours of his later life as he tried not to miss any of his favorite teams on TV. 

Preceding him in death was constant loving and ever so devoted wife Melva, his father, Nolan Spencer Johnson; his loving mother, Elizabeth Stewart; brothers, Nolan Spencer, Jr. and Ivan Keith.

Left to cherish is memory and legacy are nephew and dedicated caregiver, Ivan Keith, Jr; nephew, Nolan Johnson; niece, Deborah Horn; cousins, Prilla Stewart Stroman; Fred L. Stewart Jr. and Thomas Nolan Stewart; his cousins by marriage, Jacque D. Thompson and Adell Thompson III; cousin, Garland Cole; and We would also like to acknowledge The Mitchell Family, Lynn and Cita Mitchell and their children Christopher and Carly. The Mitchell's where Melva and Leon's neighbors from the mid-'80s until late 2008. During that time Melva and Leon grew to love the Mitchells and their children Christopher and Carly as if they were their grandchildren.   

This kind and gentle soul will be missed by the many friends and family whom he leaves behind.

The family is grateful and appreciative for all acts of kindness and expressions of condolences and sympathy.

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