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Paul H. Johnson Sr., 88, passed away on September 12, 2025, at his home in Kansas City, KS.
Paul was born on August 1, 1937, in Kansas City, Kansas, to George and Beatrice Johnson. Paul grew up in Kansas City, KS. He graduated from Sumner High School in 1956.
Paul answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy in 1957, where he served for four years. He achieved the rank of AB-3, and worked for Aviation 3 as a Boatswain’s Mate. He was honorably discharged in 1962.
He graduated with an Auto Mechanics certificate on May 22, 1975. He earned an Associate in Arts from Donnelly College on December 18, 1981, and a Bachelor of Science degree from St Mary’s University on July 26, 1985.
Paul was a man of integrity and hard work. He dedicated many years to his career at General Motors, where he was honored for his 25 years of service before retiring.
His greatest joy, however, was his family. In 1963, he married Bernice Long, and their 62-year marriage was a testament to their unwavering love and commitment. A man of deep faith, Paul was a member of First Baptist Church of Quindaro where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Paul was baptized at a young age and a long-time member of the Eighth Street Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, drove the church van and served as a deacon for many years.
In his free time, Paul loved music -- he was always singing, humming, or whistling. He also enjoyed fishing and traveling and had a lifelong passion for cars and trucks. As a family comedian, he never missed a chance to share a laugh or tell a joke.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and eight out of eleven siblings.
Paul leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Bernice Johnson of Kansas City, KS; his son, Paul Johnson II of Olathe, KS; his daughter, Pamela Houston of Hanover, MD; his siblings, Karenza "Rena” Murphy of Kansas City, KS, Stewart (Dolly) Johnson of Kansas City, KS and, Frances (Arthur Sr) Nash of Hereford, AZ,; his grandchildren, Arian, Ishmael, Jalen and Jada; and his great-grandson twins Enzo, and Ezra; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Services will be livestreamed and can be found on YouTube and Facebook under First Baptist Church of Quindaro.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Henry Johnson, Sr., please visit our floral store.