Larry “Big Dog” Johnson
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Larry “Big Dog” Johnson, 68, of Lenexa, KS passed away on January 9, 2022 at Olathe Health Hospice House.
Larry (Lawrence Arthur), was born in Kanas City, MO on August 4, 1953, the oldest child of Howard and Joan Johnson. He attended Shawnee Mission Northwest and The University of Kansas, home to his beloved Jayhawks. His passion for all things KU never waned. Rock Chalk!
A lifetime career in sales was built upon strong integrity, humor, charm, and a genuine interest in people. He maintained those qualities in all aspects of his life.
Larry loved the English language. Not only was he blessed with the “Gift of Gab”, but was also a voracious reader and writer, publishing two books. Though brain cancer and numerous treatments sent him on a different journey, he never stopped his drive or positive outlook on life. He found comaraderie everywhere, with lifelong friends, the crew at water aerobics and weekly card games with three generations of his family.
A proud Kansas Citian, he loved his city and his teams. He attended the inaugural game in 1973 Royals Stadium, even receiving a visit from Slugger as a 50th birthday surprise from his children at his home. He loved being part of the Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom, both real time and in fantasy football leagues. As part of a KU family, KU Basketball was a love he shared with his father, as well as his son, watching games in tandem in Maui.
Larry looked for every way to bond with his three children, his greatest joy.His Constantly learning and questioning, he enjoyed new technologies in all types of media. We all share his love of classic comedy, musicals, and movies. There are simply no words to express how much he loved us, how much we felt it, and how much we loved him in return.
Larry is survived by son Chris Johnson, daughter Kelly Doyle (Jeff), and son Tony Johnson. He is also survived by his father Howard Johnson and wife Jodi, sister Jackie Bay (Kenny)and sister Susi Hann (Nathan). He was preceded in death by his mother Joan Johnson.
A small internment ceremony will be held at Mt. Moriah on Monday January 24,, 2022 at 3:00 with a visitation at Shawnee Church of the Nazarene afterwards.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry Johnson’s memory to Olathe Health Hospice House.
Visits: 5
Prayers to the Johnson Family
I’m so glad that he accepted me as a friend.
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Chic
Man his smile and simple joy for life and his kids was amazing! He will be missed
Lawrence A. . . . my son. 68 years that include MANY memory moments . . . Birth 1952, marriage, children, work, Lake Quivira, brain cancer (24 yrs), death Jan 9, 2022. Through it all . . . a positive attitude with a smiling face and demeanor. Lots of dedicated family love and fun. His countenance will be missed by family and those who were privileged to know him. May GOD Bless and keep Lawrence Arthur Johnson.
Dad
Words cannot express the largess of Larry’s spirit. His devotion to the arts, family, and optimistic attitude has widened my horizons. From a young age Larry would say, “Jackie, Jackie come here, look at this.” I would roll my eyes and reluctantly comply only to learn something from the experience. To my chagrin, I would have to admit he was right. Our youngest moments were filled with listening to musical limerick or comedy LP’s which progressively turned into digital technology. Playing games, making jokes, laughing, disagreeing, talking about life, liberty, and justice, and basically sharing authentically are some of the many hallmarks of our connection. While my big brother has transitioned out of his body, his soulfulness has and continues to be potent. Kenny and I will miss him greatly.
To all of the Johnsons,
I’m sending all my love. I love Larry so very much and what a beautiful spark of love he left like waves in our lifetime. His smile, his love his joy will stay with us always. I love you all.
Larry was not only the “Big Dog”, but he was always affectionately called my big brother! Larry was so full of love to others. It was expressed not only in his actions but his words. I have been so proud with how he responded to the brain cancer he fought for over 23 years. He was heroic. He reacted with positivity and even humor. He was a guy that was so fun to be around. I love him so much and will cherish all my memories of him. I will truly miss his presence in my life.
Uncle Larry has been an incredible friend, mentor, and role model. At a young age, he would invite me over for “Man” nights, where he was instrumental in forming my love for sports, music/culture, and fellowship. Perhaps it took too long, but I now realize how incredibly important these memories are, and how incredibly important Uncle Larry is to me. He’s set a beautiful example on how to live life – be kind, have fun, and stay strong. For these reasons and more, I’ll miss him dearly.