Larry Junior Johnson, 74, was born on January 25, 1945 in Tuskegee, Alabama to William Wheeler and Gustand Johnson. Larry was raised by his aunt, Johnnie Mae Burks, after the deaths of his mother and father.

Larry graduated from Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1963. In school, Larry excelled in sports as a three-sport athlete in track & field, football, and basketball. Soon after graduation, Larry marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C., at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. As an advocate for civil rights, Larry later joined the Black Panther Party.

Throughout his life, Larry worked various jobs with a tremendous work ethic in providing for his family. Larry spent most of his time working in custodial/janitorial services, including owning his own custodial business. He retired from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2015.

Larry's true passion in life was to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Although he grew up going to church, Larry did not come to truly know the Lord as Savior until 2009 when he repented of his sins and placed his trust in Jesus Christ to save him from sin and hell. He enjoyed sharing the gospel with family, friends, and strangers, including regularly passing out gospel tracts to his Westport and Country Club Plaza neighbors.

The Lord welcomed Larry home to be with Him on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Johnson; and two aunts, Johnnie Mae Burks and Area Lee Miller.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his four sons, Mark Johnson, Sheadrick Milligan, David Johnson (and wife, Andrea), and Eric Johnson; two daughters, Patricia Johnson-Fowler (and husband, William) and Shonda Johnson; ten grandchildren, Jujuan, Andrew, Ahmad, Marquita, Richard, Shakell, T.J., Isaac, Sydney, and Ethan; one great grandchild, Emma; and a large host of other family and friends.

Memorial services Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m. at Wornall Road Baptist Church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.