Robert “Bob” Palmer Johnson passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023, with his daughters and son by his side. He was born April 19, 1934 in Ada, Minnesota, and soon after his family moved to Ponsford, Minnesota, where Bob attended school with many Native Americans. After elementary school, his family moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where Bob completed high school.
After graduation, Bob honored his country by serving in the United States Air Force in Korea. Upon returning from active service in Korea, he was assigned to an outpost in Alaska, where he was part of a unit responsible for monitoring the airspace between the Alaskan coast and Russia. He was later transferred to Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Missouri as a member of the Sky Wolves 326th Fighter- Interceptor Squadron. While stationed at Richards-Gebaur he met his wife, Patricia Ann Calelly, at a mixer dance with the women of St. Mary’s College.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bob and Pat decided to make Kansas City their home. Bob worked in the building materials trade and finished his career with Stanley Black & Decker. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, an active member of Boy Scouts Troop 30, and a baseball coach to many young boys who played for Christ the King school. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a Fourth Degree Knight.
Bob greatly enjoyed socializing with the many friends he and Pat kept throughout the years. He spent his spare time hunting, fishing, camping, golfing and playing cards and cribbage. He loved his children and grandchildren, and especially enjoyed attending their sporting events and the many championship games of St. Thomas Aquinas women’s basketball.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann Johnson; son, Dan Johnson; father, Palmer Johnson; mother, Gladys LaTondre; step-father, Clifford LaTondre; brother, Richard Johnson; and sister, Sharon Garrett.
Bob leaves behind a sister, Linda (Terry) Daly; three children, Bob (Teresa) Johnson, Diane (Stoney) Stebar and Nancy (Rick) Dye; eight grandchildren, Ryan Johnson, Shelby (Max) Ostrander, Logan Dye, Megan Stebar, Chandler (Erin) Dye, Nic Stebar, Bryce Dye and Samantha Dye; and one great-grand- daughter, Henley Dye.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Kansas City Hospice House
12000 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64145
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss.
Sally Vento for RPS