Herman Johnson

Herman Johnson was born on August 4, 1948, in Ringgold, LA to Rosevelt and Jessie B. Johnson. He grew up in the Kansas City Metro Area and graduated from Central High School in 1967.

His father, mother and one brother (Willy J. Johnson) preceded him in death.

June 1967, he married Beverly Riley and out of this union one son was born. September 14th, 1975, he remarried Patricia Theus and out of this union two children were born.

He accepted Christ at an early age and later became a Deacon at the Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Donald D. Ford (Founder) and Bishop John Lewis Jr. (Active).

Herman worked several jobs throughout the Kansas City Metro Area. Around 1972 he landed his career as a proud union man for Asbestos Union Local 27, for 30 years, then retired in 2005. He then returned to the workforce at Lake City Ammunition Plant for a couple of years.

Some of his achievements, hobbies, and accomplishments were: 1963 age 15 he painted the first sign for the Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church, which stands today on the corner of 44th and Woodland under the leadership of Rev. Julius Rambo (Founder) and Pastor Rickey D. Rambo (Active). In 1972 he became one of the first black men to complete the Apprentice Program and became a Journeyman, he also was known to be one of the best Foremen in that trade, and he brought into this trade Timothy Johnson (Brother), Shannon Johnson (Son) and Larry Ashley (First Cousin). As a stern young man and loving father, out of Grandview Mo, he was a head football/basketball coach for the South Suburban Youth League; leading young boys to victories and championships. He had a passion for dominoes, this game he would play day and night and at any given time and was known in KC MO and Heflin LA as one of the greats. As a proud father in 2021 he had the opportunity to witness his baby boy (Shannon) to become a World’s Domino Champion in Andalusia, AL! Thereafter 2022 he witnessed his first and second Cousin to do the same Pastor Rickey Rambo and his son Devin Rambo. Herman loved football and as a young man was a semi-pro football player for the KC Steers until he was injured in the game. His favorite team was the Kansas City Chiefs. In February 2024, he had the opportunity to go to the Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl LVlll held in Las Vegas, NV; with his brother, both of his sons and nephew. These were some of the greatest accomplishments, hobbies and achievements that filled his heart with joy.

But more than anything Herman was a devoted husband, supportive father and proud grandfather. He loved spending time with his family watching Sunday football, First Take, Netflix and YouTube.  He was a hard-working man and to those who came across his path, he was eager to offer his wisdom and knowledge on life making decisions, especially to his children and grandchildren. To his family he was a man of steel and whatever he put his mind to do it was done. Herman leaves a legacy within his family, his church, and his community. He will be forever loved and missed.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 49yrs. Patricia; 3 children: Herman Jr. (Brittney), Shannon (Keiana) and Trineka (Kevin); 11 grandchildren: Marnesha, Aliyah, Kymahn, Tavion, Shannon Jr., DaMontae, Trinae, Tre’Von, Shanielle, LaNiece, and Sariah; 25 great grandchildren; 4 sisters: Atha, Rosie, Regina and Kimberly of (KC MO); 2 brothers: Michael and Timothy (KC MO); and 1 goddaughter Markina Kelly (KC MO).