Clifton Dean "Cliff" Johnson

Clifton Dean "Cliff" Johnson, 83, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away at his home on September 20, 2006. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, September 24, with funeral services at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 25, at the Park Lawn Chapel, Hillcrest Road at 83rd Street. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Cliff to the American Paint Horse Foundation, PO Box 961023, Ft. Worth, TX 76161. Cliff was born July 27, 1923, in Crocker, Mo., the son of James and Amelia Johnson. He grew up in Stover, Mo., and Polo, Mo., and graduated from Polo High School. Cliff served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in China and the Philippines on an LST. He started his own painting company in Raytown, Mo., where he worked for 25 years. Cliff married Martha VanLiew, the love of his life, on August 19, 1967. They started their own business, Horse Trailer Sales and Repair, in 1969, and operated the business until his death. Cliff was a pilot for 25 years, but his passion was breeding, showing and judging horses. He raised and judged Appaloosa horses, but changed to Paint horses in 1970. He devoted the rest of his life to promoting and raising Paint horses. Cliff was a National Director for the A.P.H.A. for over 30 years, and was a Director Emeritus at the time of his death. He was an A.P.H.A. Judge for 27 years. Cliff and Martha received the distinguished service award from the American Paint Horse Association in 1997, in recognition of their years of dedication to the breed. Cliff also served as President of the Missouri State Saddle Club Association, and was co-founder and past president of the Golden Circle Horse Show Circuit. He was also Past President and Director of the Mo-Kan Paint Horse Club. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles L. Johnson, and his sister, Lela Mae James. He leaves behind to love and honor his memory, his wife Martha; his son and daughterin-law James and Diane Johnson of Harrisonville, Mo.; his son and daughter-inlaw, Bill and Stacy Johnson, Kansas City, Mo.; his beloved grandson, Will Johnson, and three unborn grandchildren he was eagerly anticipating. His legacy of love, decency and devotion to his friends and family will be cherished forever by everyone whose lives he touched. Arrangements: Park Lawn Funeral Home, (816) 523-1234.