William Stanley Johnson, the son of William S. Johnson, Sr. and Madeline Ford Johnson was born on November 19, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri.
As a young man, Stan was extremely active in Boy Scouts obtaining some of the highest awards available to a Boy Scout at that time. He was an Eagle Scout with 3 palms. He earned his God and Country Award, merit badges too numerous to mention. In 1947 Stan was called by H. Roe Bartle to the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He also worked on the permanent staff at Camp Osceola.
In February of 1954 Stan married Norma Black. To this union were born four children, Mark Russell, Rex Allen, Star Rena and Kimberly Ruth.
Stan was always an avid car buff. From great street vehicles to being involved with super modified stock cars. Because of his love for automotive challenges, he decided he would like to put his knowledge and skill into something profitable. In 1958 he bought his own service station and garage and at that time he became Stan’s Skelly Service at 85th & Holmes, KC, MO. And there took up his second residency for the next 28 years. He became very successful and ultimately took a partner. A longtime friend John Barthol became that partner and the business then became a south Kansas City household name, Stan & John’s Service.
Stan and Norma retired in 1984 and moved to Clinton, Missouri. Where Stan became heavily involved in fishing and ultimately became a Truman Lake fishing guide. He spent an additional 12 years doing something he absolutely loved. Spending time in the great outdoors with other anglers. Competitive tournament fishing was just an added bonus.
Stan, with wife Norma, organized, promoted and made possible one of the largest charity tournaments on the lake all in the name of Ozanam Home for Boys. The amount of money raised for the boy’s home was Stan and Norma’s thank you to the participating anglers.
Traveling was high on the list of Stan’s joys. Seven years spent in Baja, Mexico with son, Mark. Those many days and hours spent in a barren desert together created a relationship and bond for life.
Traveling some 4000 miles to and from California three times in six months was “no big deal” because it was to be part of daughter, Star and granddaughter, Shawn’s Charity League. Distance was never an issue when it came to spending time with children and grandchildren. Driving to Colorado for one of daughter, Kim’s horse show again was “no big deal”.
Then, on a whim driving to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take grandson Michael to dinner. It sounds ridiculous, but it happened.
Not to forget two more granddaughters, Jessice and Shea. Driving to California to make sure the girls attended a dance competition while Mom and Dad are out of the country on business. This is just what he did for family.
Stan is preceded in death by his son, Rex Allen and his parents, Bill and Madeline Johnson.
Survivors include his wife Norma of the home, three children; Mark and Becky Johnson of Ladera Ranch, California, Star and Ted Dodd of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Kim and George Dixon of Carbondale, California, four grandchildren; Michael Anderson of Torrance, California, Shawnie Anderson of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Jessica and Chris Ferrero of Ladera Ranch, California, Shea and Ryan Allen of San Juan Capistrano, California, four great grandchildren; Charlotte and Emerson Ferraro, Lux Olivia and Quinn Allen.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.
