Kenny Johnson

Kenny Johnson, son of Orlo and Ester Johnson, was born southeast of Mount Ayr on February 25, 1934; he was the second of four brothers. Kenny was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Kenny was also an important uncle and friend to many. After Lois passed away Kenny was fortunate to find a new love Peggy Hayter.

When Kenny was thirteen his father passed away from tuberculosis. Kenny worked on his uncle’s farms and the Skelly Station to help support his mother and younger brothers. Kenny excelled and lettered all four years of high school in his favorite sport of basketball and graduated in 1952.

He met his high school sweetheart, Lois Elaine Deemer; they were married in August 1953. Daughter, Terri Lee was born October 20, 1954, and son, Kevin Eric was born February 27, 1962.

He started his career as a mechanic working for Gene Carr and later Andy Johnson’s car dealerships. He became service manager at that time. He won many awards including trips to Hawaii and the Bahamas. In 1974 Kenny and Calvin Adams started a new business Adams & Johnson Used Cars in Mount Ayr, they were in business for 19 years. He worked for Jobe Chevrolet as service manager until he retired; later he drove vehicles as needed for Glendenning Motors.

Kenny retired in 1996; he and Lois traveled to many places and spent winters visiting family and friends in Arizona until Lois passed away in 2011. Kenny and Lois were married 58 years and celebrated their fiftieth with family and friends dancing the night away. Dancing up to three nights a week many times was their favorite past time, they were excellent dancers. Kenny tried to teach Terri to dance; she did not get this gift. It was a special memory dancing with Dad and watching Mike dance with Mom.

Kenny was very lonely after Lois passed; family encouraged him to continue going to dances with friends. This is where he met his new love, Peg, who also enjoyed dancing and was an excellent dancer. They have enjoyed twelve years of sharing life together. The family was happy to have her in our lives. Peg’s daughters Dawn and Paula also enjoyed having Kenny in their family.

During Kenny’s life he was a member of Jaycees, Methodist Men, supporting the businesses of Mount Ayr. He enjoyed golfing at the Mount Ayr country club and traveling around the area golfing in other communities with other retired golfers. He kept busy with mowing and taking care of his home and family whenever they needed help. He was described as a gentleman, family and friend of many going out of his way to provide and help others.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Johnson and son-in-law Dick Cole. His parents, Orlo & Esther Johnson, Lois’ parents, Albert (Ab) and Eva Deemer. His brothers, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Laverne (Dee Deemer) Kidney Kause, her husband’s Neil Kidney and Neil Kaus, Joyce (Deemer) Smith, Bill Johnson and wife Lois, Carroll Johnson and wife Beverly.

Kenny is survived by children, Terri Cole, significant other, Mike Kempton of Mount Ayr, Kevin Johnson and wife Gina of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, brother Theron Johnson and wife Marilyn of Delphos, Iowa, brother-in-law, Max Smith and wife Sharon of Creston, Iowa and sister-in-law Pam (Deemer) Heckathorn of Arizona. Grandson Justin Cole and wife Chanelle, great grandsons Griffyn and Gavyn Cole, step grandsons John Kibler of Saint Charles, Illinois & Bill Kibler of Redfield Township, Michigan.

Memorials are in his name to be decided.