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.
