Ronald L. Johnson

Ronald L. Johnson, 78, passed away on Sept. 28, 2017, at Olathe Hospice House with his loving family at his side. Ron was born in Malden, MO on July 4, 1939.
Ron’s family moved back to their hometown of Verdon, where he spent most of his early years. During his adolescent years, his family moved to Falls City, and then to Omaha when he was in high school.
Ron joined the Air Force at the age of 18 and served his country for four years.
Ron’s passion was cars. Some of his favorite restorations were a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, a 1956 T-bird and a 1955 1st-series Chevy Pickup. In addition, he had a souped up 1929 Chevy Coup kit car.
In 1957 Ron met his wife, Betty ‘Jean’ Moffet.
Ron completed his Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Omaha. He started his professional career working as an estimator for an electrical contractor. Ron and Jean moved their family to Kansas City, where they lived for the next 20+ years.
In 1985 Ron took a job in San Diego, CA. In 1990, Ron brought an electrical manufacturer rep agency in Las Vegas, NV. They lived in Las Vegas for the next 22 years. Ron and Jean returned to Kansas City (Olathe actually) in Oct. 2012 due to Ron’s health.
Ron leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Jean; his mother, Eileen Johnson, of Jupiter, FL; children, Russell (Pam) Johnson of KC, KS, Suzanne (Norman) Patterson of Lawrence, KS, Diane Hansel, of Lenexa; sister, Bonnie White of Jupiter, FL and brother Alan (Connie) Johnson of Moline, IL..
A celebration of Ron’s will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Research Institute.