A visitation will be held 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Monday, September 18th, 2023 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri with funeral services to follow. Bruce did enjoy dressing up, but most of the time you’d find him wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Let's celebrate his life wearing some comfortable attire.
Bruce was born June 15th, 1953 and raised by his loving parents Otis & Anne Johnson. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1971. He was honored as an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. His early career in sales led him to JC Sunshine Sales where he worked for 25 years. He represented many multi-level marketing adventures from Amway to Kangen Water to Doterra Oils. He was a humble and kind man who touched many and was called lover, dad, friend, papa/pop, confidant, entertainer, and Ringo.
He was a member of Kansas City Turners and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Prior to his passing he was an attendant of Coleman Baptist Church where he donated a lot of his time, energy, and love. When he wasn’t helping people he was performing for them because he loved to make people happy. He spent 50+ years playing in many bands (Bucket Band, West Wind, TOLD, The Kim Osborne Band, Bob Borden Band, Nation, Faded Stranger, Together) along with many others where he garnered more family through his love of music. In 2019 he was inducted into the Kansas Musical Hall of Fame for his phenomenal drumming skills. He loved anything Beatles, flamboyant outfits, keeping people healthy with oils and water, cheering for the Chiefs with his family, karaoke, lottery tickets, post-it notes, and his light-up drum sticks to which numerous times he played his family's favorite “Wipeout” (with and without the sticks). He was a beautiful soul and will be missed dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and the mother of his four children (Marjorie Johnson). He is survived by his love, Jana Carr of the home, daughters and sons: Jaime Michaelree and husband Kevin, Chris Johnson and significant other Lauren Roberts, Nicole Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Trisha Holmes and husband Rob Holmes, Shannon Ross and husband Travis Ross, Olen Thronebury and significant other Miranda Willis; grandchildren: Dalton, Mackenzie, Bailey, Dylan, Michael, Kaden, Layla, Cassidy, Skylar, Christian, Aleesia, Xavier, Melody, Whitney and wife Hannah, Michael, Alyssa and significant other William, Anna, Wyatt, and Brynlee; one great-granddaughter Layla H. In addition to his children and grandchildren he had his fur children Deuce and Fugley and many grandfurbabies. We can’t forget the many family and friends whom he loved dearly and thought of often–We Love You!
The family invites you to the VFW Post 1000 at 1002 US 24 Highway, Independence, Missouri 64050 for a celebration of life reception. Please bring your memories and love to share. Food and soft drinks will be available.
