A Celebration of Life for Michael Dean Johnson, 49, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will follow the celebration until 4 pm. Michael passed away Monday, December 5, 2022, at his home.
Michael “MJ” Dean Johnson was born December 24, 1972 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
MJ worked as a solid waste operator for the City of Lawrence Sanitation Department.
He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Melinda Jean Johnson, mother Donna Jean Johnson, maternal grandparents Harry and Marian Carr, and paternal grandparents James and Ruby Johnson.
He is survived by his son Andrew Thomas Johnson, his father Karl Madison Johnson, sisters Deborah Sue Rouse and Martha Eileen DuBose, brother Karl Madison Johnson, Jr, his beloved parrot Alex and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends, ex-wife Jani Burghart, former companion Alana Beer, and all who loved him as a member of their own families.
Michael “MJ” was passionate about raising his son, camping, being pool-side as frequently as possible, enjoyed bowling and was a keen poker player, especially Texas Hold ‘Em, coaching his KU Jayhawks, never missing a game and rooting for the KC Chiefs, and being with friends and family.
His only M.O. in life was to be happy and positive. He lived that each and everyday, practicing what he preached and he would want those he’s left behind to carry on with that legacy, continuing to smile and laugh as we celebrate his life.
You are thought of often and are missed. You truly brought light into this world and now your light will shine upon everyone eternally. Thank you for the laughter. We are honored that we were able to share some time in the universe with you.
MJ you were the best friend anyone could have. You will missed so much by so many . You are truly an amazing person. Will miss miss you at pool side and our cookouts. R.I.P.my dear friend MJ
MJ we will greatly miss you! You leave us with great memories! Summers will never be the same. I will miss all of our get togethers. R.I.P dear friend
MJ my boyfriend for the six months I knew you we ate dinner together and watched TV shows we liked the same music I always looked forward to seeing you and talking with you you were my sunshine it’s so hard now that you gone it’ shattered my heart you are truly an angel and always had such a warm smile I will forever miss you in love
Who wrote this?!? It’s a home run! What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. This is definitely how MJ will be remembered poolside. ❤️
“Glad you got to see me”
My fun, loving uncle, you will be sorely missed. You were always the life of the party, even when you didn’t mean to be. Your personality was unmatched and you have left a hole in the hearts of many. You had such an impact on those that loved you, specifically your son, Andrew. You were an awesome uncle, a loving brother, a good friend, and an amazing dad who always did his best to make sure everyone you came across was happy and knew that they were loved. I’ll miss you greatly Uncle Mike. ‘Til we meet again. ?
R.i.P though prayer for famliy. he was a good Neighbor at quail creek apt.
Prayers go out to the family. He was a special guy.
Mj will be
Missed I considered him as my good friend it bothered me so much when I heard he passed away I just talked to him the 27th of November I worked with him at the City of Lawrence, he came to my house on the weekends a lot I’ll miss those talks we had from politics to wrestling are we went to a couple wrestling matches together he was quite the character RIP,MJ till we meet again, brother
MJ was one of my drivers at the City. He made the job enjoyable and his work ethic was well known. My condolences to the family.
I was saddened to hear that Michael passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed.