Norman Johnson Obituary

Norman Johnson

June 13, 1928 - January 10, 2025

Overland Park, Kansas - Norman A. Johnson of Overland Park. Kansas, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on June 13, 1928, to Arthur and Midred Johnson in Eldorado, KS, he grew up the only boy alongside three sisters with whom he created many memories of a loving family life.

After graduating from Kansas State University in 1951 with an Architectural Engineering degree, he found what would be his forever workplace. It was 1954 when Jack Bear of Bear & Bear Associates hired Norm to help him build and manage the 10 structure, 400,000 square foot office complex known as Cloverleaf. Here he would spend his entire professional career as a loyal and dedicated designer/builder of endless tenant projects, continuously providing his expert knowledge to the company. Only after 70 years of dedicated service did he retire in2024. Norm was highly respected and loved by his coworkers and tenants alike.

The year 2000 brought great happiness when Norm met Madonna Shreve and they married in 2001 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Their blended family now included his children Martin and Susan and her children Scott and Becky, with whom there would be many joyful gatherings over the years. Love was always present in their home.

Norm was an avid golfer playing courses all over the country. His favorite was taking annual trips to Myrtle Beach with his many friends and son Martin. He and Madonna loved traveling and took cruises and bus trips, enjoying many exciting adventures. Tonka, as he was affectionately referred to by his "grands," was an endearing nickname. He always made time to attend their ball games, birthday parties, graduations and weddings. A true patriarch of our family, his presence, love and laughter will be missed by us all, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Norman was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Madonna; two children, Martin (Jana) Johnson, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Susan (Tom) Conley, of Montrose, Colorado; his stepson, Scott (Lynda) Shreve, of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and stepdaughter, Becky Gray, of Grain Valley, Missouri. Norm was the proud grandfather of three grandchildren, Captain Brandon Johnson (Lisa), of the U.S. Navy, Kristina Johnson, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Larissa (Brent) Edmonds, of Eudora, Kansas. Additionally, he leaves behind four stepgrandchildren, Erin Brown, Stephen Gray, Conner Shreve, and Derek Shreve; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and two step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Mildred Johnson; as well as his three sisters, Sherry Slason of Denver, Shirley Jo Helm (Quick) of Colorado Springs, and Carolyn Wright of Prairie Village.

A memorial service will be held on January 20, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens to celebrate his remarkable life. Visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by an 11 a.m. service, 12 p.m. burial and, 1 p.m. luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society in memory of Norman Johnson are welcome and appreciated.