Steven Paul Johnson, 66, passed away at his home in Weston on June 24 after an incredible 15 year battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.
He was born on January 8, 1959 in Kansas City, Mo to Delbert and Peggy Johnson of Odessa, Mo. He graduated from Odessa High School and attended the University of Missouri and Truman State University. He began his law enforcement career in 1982 with the Platte City Police Department. In 1983 he became a member of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department, where he remained for 29 years. Always a leader, he rose to the rank of Captain of the Road Patrol Division. During his career he spearheaded and was involved in multiple programs including the Safe Driver’s Training Program, Sobriety Check Point Supervisor School, Fleet Management Program, Animal Control Program, Building Check Program, Community Policing Program, School Resource Officer Program, PCSD Mobile Command Post and the Crash Team. He earned the Exceptional Service Award (3x), Distinguished Service Award (x2), Life Saving Award, Safe Driving Award (x7), Meritorious Service Award (x2),Sheriff’s Service Award (x6), Professional Development Award and Special Unit Award.
In 1999 he attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia graduating in the top of his class. With his ability to drive and operate most every vehicle and as his health allowed, he began driving across the country for Midwest Transport Company of Kansas City, Kansas. Later he began making travel arrangements for truck drivers that continued until March of this year. He had also volunteered for West Platte Fire, driving and becoming a pump operator. Steve was a strong, determined man that gave his all and never gave up.
He leaves behind his wife & partner of 42 years, Lynn, of the home, his mother Peggy of Rolla, sister Janet Caple of Rolla, daughter Katie Scott of Easton, Ks., grandson Drew Scott of Blue Springs, granddaughters Mackenzie Scott of Blue Springs and Presleigh Scott of Easton Ks, great grandchildren Everett and Rowyn Scott of Blue Springs, and cousin and special friend Jim Logan of Fort Myers, FL, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and his Blue and Red families.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 27th at 2pm at Pleasant Ridge cemetery in Weston, Mo. followed by a celebration of his life at Eventful at Locust Grove from 3 – 6.A special thanks to his oncology team at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, especially Jennifer Heins who was with him from the beginning and Three Rivers Hospice. Arrangements by Vaughn Funeral Home-Weston, MO-Ph 816-386-2281.
