Leslie August Johnson

Leslie A. Johnson, 93, of Overland Park, Kansas left this earth on July 14, 2015. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Johnson, his parents, August Johnson and Edna Smay Johnson, his brothers, Leonard Johnson and Richard Johnson, his sisters Kathryn Johnson Evans and Elizabeth Johnson Fish. Services will be held at Mount Moriah Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.

Leslie is survived by his son, Ronald Johnson and daughter-in-law Cyndi Johnson, of Stilwell, Kansas, one brother, Frederick Johnson, of Marshal, Missouri, one grandson, Jeremiah Johnson, of Overland Park, Kansas, two great grandsons, Aidan Johnson and Kyler Johnson of Olathe, Kansas, nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Leslie was born on July 7, 1922 and was raised on a farm in the Lowry City area with his brothers and sisters. As a young man, he walked the railroad tracks picking up coal along the tracks. He sold the coal and finally raised enough money to purchase his first .22 rifle. His passion for hunting started at a young age. He enjoyed hunting for quail, pheasant, turkeys and deer. Leslie was also known for being an excellent fisherman. Leslie entered the Navy after high school in 1942 and fought in World War II. Les was a Gunner’s Mate Third Class on the Florence Nightingale ship and traveled to Okinawa, Japan, was in the Invasion of Sicily, Italy, and the Invasion of Southern France. He and his brother, Leonard, rode horses to the top of Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii when both their ships were in port. Leslie married Mildred Mobley in 1947 and they were married for 44 years until she passed away in 1991 . After they moved to Kansas City, Leslie started working for General Motors Assembly Division at the Fairfax Plant. He was an Inspection Supervisor and was known for being a perfectionist. He retired from General Motors in 1976 after many years of excellent service.

After building his own retirement home on Pomme de Terre Lake in the Wheatland, Missouri area, he and Millie moved to the lake in 1976. He loved nothing more than fishing with his best friend, Frank Rosner, and his brother-in-law, Cliff Wright. Leslie was known for his great fish fries and his Oink Burgers cooked on the grill.

Leslie was surrounded by many special people in his golden years. He enjoyed spending time at the Wheatland, Missouri Senior Center and loved dancing with his very special friend, Thelma Green. Les’s favorite pastime was dancing and listening to music.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful people who provided care for Leslie including those from Town Village Personalized Living, Glenwood Overland Park Assisted Living, Brookdale Hospice caregivers, Chrystal, his “clean-shirt lady,” Abbie Groom with her incredible patience, and his best friend Joyce Moore who spent endless hours playing cards with Leslie.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to go to Brookdale Hospice, Overland Park, Kansas.