Kenneth Willard Johnson

Kenneth Johnson, a gentle and genuinely compassionate soul, age86, of May, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 10:27 P.M. surrounded by the love and warmth of his daughters.

His departure was due to complications from pancreatic cancer, but his enduring kindness and thoughtful spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born in the humble town of Shattuck, Oklahoma on November 26, 1938. He exemplified resilience and kindness throughout his life. He attended Laverne High School, graduating with pride in 1958. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he served with honor, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and integrity until his honorable discharge in June of 1967.

In 1968 he married the loving and graceful Johnnie Bell Jackson. After a heartfelt separation in 1985 he continued to live a life of faith and devotion. Kenneth was a devout Christian and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Laverne.

Known for his gentle manners, resourcefulness and extraordinary handyman skills, he was a pillar of support and kindness in his community.

In 2001, Kenneth met and married Betty Marie, a partner filled with love and respect. He also deeply cherished his step son Darrell of Arkansas.

Some of our favorite memories are of his dinosaur stories of bones that were in the pasture at the farm. His asteroid story where he watched one fall and went and fetched it burning his hands as he carried it to the house. His foxhole stories of the desert and his journey on the big ships and the places he went.

But the most beloved is the “Buggy” he made from old car parts and wagon wheels. Everyone played on it for hours.

Kenneth walked a mile a day up to his death and everyone everywhere waited to see and wave at him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved brother Leroy Johnson of Woodward, Oklahoma, his mother Fern Johnson of May, Oklahoma and father Willard Johnson of Laverne, Oklahoma.

He is cherishedly survived by his survived by his caring and loving siblings; Robert “Bob” Johnson, Doris Fathergill, Paula Matkins and Mary Dean.

He leaves behind two devoted daughters and spouses; Shanna Foale and husband Brian of Woodward, Oklahoma, Angelena and Michael McKinzie of Laverne, Oklahoma along with 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 19 great grandchildren who will forever treasure his nurturing and generous spirit.

The family would like to say a special thanks to our little sister Kerri Dee who is a nurse and looked after him and took care of him while in Kansas.