Leonard R Johnson Sr.

LEONARD’S LIFE STORY

     Leonard Roosevelt Johnson, 91, returned to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 7, 2025 – the eve of Pentecost Sunday – at his home in Lenexa, Kansas. Leonard began his earthly pilgrimage on September 3, 1933, being born to George Johnson and Beatrice Rogers Johnson of Kansas City, Kansas. Leonard grew up in a happy, tight-knit home with 12 siblings and loving parents who instilled in all their children a love for God, a sense of personal responsibility, and a duty to serve others.

     Leonard graduated from North East Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1949. He later served in the US Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to his family home and worked at a variety of jobs. He later earned his GED from Kansas City Kansas Community College.

     In 1960 he married Norma Jean Cooper. The couple made their home in Kansas City, Kansas where they raised 3 children. They were active parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and later at the unified parish of Our Lady and St. Rose. Leonard and Norma were married for nearly 50 years, with his beloved wife passing away 5 months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary on February 23, 2010.

     Leonard worked at Ford Motor Company as a lineman, retiring in 1998 after 35 years of service, and missing only 5 days of work during that period.

     Leonard enjoyed spending time with his large extended family, participating in church-related activities, fishing, hunting, watching sports, and relaxing with a glass (or more) of Crown Royal Whiskey.

     Leonard is survived by his children: Lila, Loretta, and Leonard II; his siblings, Karenza, Paul, Stewart, and Frances; grandsons Brandon, Leonard III, and Christian; and multiple great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET

     Throughout Daddy’s time in hospice, but especially during his final week, I passed large blocks of time praying that he would experience a holy and peaceful passing. One of the main prayers that I prayed for him was the Divine Mercy Chaplet. On Saturday, June 7th, after checking on Daddy and finding that he was breathing weakly but steadily, I sat down opposite his bed and began praying the chaplet. After approximately 15 minutes I finished the chaplet and went to check on Daddy before going to complete chores around the house. When I looked at his face, I could see that his soul had returned to our Heavenly Father. This chaplet, which I have always loved, is now even more precious to me since by God’s providence it ushered my father into eternal glory. I desire to share this beautiful and powerful prayer with all gathered here today; pamphlets with instructions on how to pray the chaplet have been handed out with the funeral program, and can also be obtained from an usher.  Loretta Johnson.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

     The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Gregory Crane, Oncologist; The University of Kansas Medical Center and Staff; Olathe Home Hospice; the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady & St. Rose of Lima; Thatcher’s Funeral Home; the Johnson-Rogers Family of Kansas; the Allen Family of Missouri; friends, co-workers, and companions along his earthly pilgrimage.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard R Johnson Sr., please visit our floral store.