KENNETH LEE JOHNSON Ken was born June 12, 1942, in Yuba City, California to Dellis (Jim) and Dora Johnson. He attended elementary schools in the area. The family moved to Fresno in June 1950 for Jim's job. While there, Ken was diagnosed with bulbar polio about the time vaccines were released to the public. Ken was taken to Children's Hospital in San Francisco with only a slim chance of surviving. He spent several months in an iron lung and thanks to a rigorous physical therapy program survived without any traces of having had polio. In 1955, Ken's family returned to Yuba City where Ken attended Yuba City High School from 1956 to 1960. After graduating, Ken's family moved to Sacramento where he attended American River Junior College for a year while working part time for Weinstocks Department Store. He was called to serve a Spanish American Mission in lower Texas on the border with Mexico. Ken returned just in time to join Jean (sister) and cousin Marc Adams leaving for Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Ken graduated in 1968.with an accounting degree. While at BYU, Ken developed a strong love and loyalty to each and every BYU sports program. During this time, he married Peggy Clark in December of 1966. After graduation, they lived in Southern California and had 3 children - Douglas, Jody and Jennine Johnson. Later, Ken and Shirley Szabo met, eventually marrying in January 1976 in the Los Angeles temple. The blended family of 6 (Shirley's children Troy, Tasha and Travis) later welcomed 2 additional children - Holly and Kevin Johnson. Ken and Shirley moved their family from Laguna Niguel (SCAL) to Meadow Vista(NCAL) in January of 1978. Ken worked for Dawson Oil Company in Colfax as an accountant/computer programmer. Eventually, he changed employers to work for a Chevron distributor from which he finally retired around 2010. Ken and Shirley were active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colfax with both serving in various positions over the years. During his time in Meadow Vista, Ken was known for his large gardens, hosting large church and family gatherings, and huge Fourth of July breakfast events for over 30 years. Family events grew yearly to include spouses, 31 grandkids, great grandkids, plus other family members. There were no strangers at Ken's and Shirley's home - all were welcome. After their kids were grown and had flown the Meadow Vista nest, Ken and Shirley moved to Kuna, Idaho in August 2018. The move allowed Ken and Shirley to enjoy more time with their youngest grandchildren. A few years later, Ken was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Ken would eventually succumb to mesothelioma, passing away peacefully in his sleep on August 16, 2023. Ken is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his eight children, 30 + grandchildren, a few great-grandchildren, and his sister Jean. Ken enjoyed and lived a full life dedicated to his faith, family, and friends. Burial in the Sutter Cemetery, Sutter, California will be held Wednesday August 23, 2023 at 10a.m. A Memorial service will be held at 12 Noon in the Colfax Ward Chapel, 1876 South Auburn Street, Colfax. California.
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