Kenneth Edward Johnson

Kenneth Edward Johnson, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, and honored Vietnam Veteran, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 83. Kenneth was born on March 11, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Lawrence and Katherlene Johnson. A proud Detroiter, he would often be overheard telling stories that began with "back in the day," and anyone who knew him could tell exactly where he was going.
Kenny, as many of us knew him, met the love of his life, Delia Anne Johnson, in 1965 while they attended university. They later married on June 25, 1973. As a couple, they would light up a room with their warmth and energy, creating an atmosphere that drew everyone around them in. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, spanning over 47 wonderful years together, until Delia was called home in 2020. Their union brought them a daughter, Stacey, whom they cherished more than anything. The three did everything together, making strong and everlasting memories.
As a gifted architectural engineer, Kenneth's career was filled with diverse roles. He was known as "The Man" at the global architectural and engineering firm Ghafari & Associates, and he was often referred to as "the smartest guy in the room" during his time at Bechtel, which was housed in the well known 777 building in Ann Arbor, MI. After spending the earlier chapters of his career in offices and boardrooms, Ken decided to take his talents to the collegiate atmosphere, where he could be surrounded by driven professionals and young adults with energy like his own. It was there that he retired after many years of meaningful work.
Ken's creativity extended beyond the drafting table-he was also a remarkable artist who found joy in creating and inspiring others. Whether sketching photos for loved ones or drawing cartoons to bring a smile, his art left an impact on everyone he met.
His love for sports was undeniable. Ken played sports in high school and during his collegiate years, a passion he passed on to his daughter. He supported her youth and collegiate sporting career with unmatched enthusiasm, which was often contagious. Whenever Stacey wanted something-which was often-he would say, "Lace up. If you can still ask for it after or during a run with me, we can discuss it." Hence, they ran a lot! Later in life, Ken picked up golf as a new passion, spending many peaceful hours on the course perfecting his putt, connecting with old and new friends, and enjoying time with his weekly Hydramatic Golf League.
Ken had a deep connection with music and was happiest when surrounded by good friends and good tunes, which usually meant good times. He treated everyone he met with the utmost respect and embodied kindness in every interaction.
A proud Vietnam Veteran, Ken served his country with honor. His military service was a chapter in his life that filled him with great pride. He held an SP rank, which signifies individuals who possess special skill sets and knowledge beyond what normal enlisted personnel would usually offer. He won multiple awards of recognition for sharp shooting, which is often shared with his daughter's suitors. He was also an esteemed member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, where he formed lifelong bonds and exemplified brotherhood and leadership. The fraternity's motto, "Oh noble Kappa Alpha Psi, the pride of all our hearts, true manliness, fidelity, thou ever doth impart," were words that Ken lived by.
Ken's legacy is one of love, dedication, and respect. He leaves behind a remarkably successful daughter, a family that adored him, a host of "bounce" daughters, and countless friends and former colleagues who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Stacey Johnson (Sean); his brother, Willie Johnson (Theresa); his sisters-in-law, Louise Bach, Mary Johnson (James), and Betty Holland (Earnest); and brothers-in-law Wilburn Holland and Burt Bach. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Phillip C. Palmer (Fabrienne), Jon C. Palmer (Beth), Cheri L. Vanden Heuvel (Kiff), D'Andre M. Holland, Matrice L. Johnson, Wilburn J. Holland III (Kelly), Ryann C. Simpson (Jill), Arron R. Pighee, Denise N. Smith (Wesley), Damond B. Holland, Benjamin J. Johnson (Ashley), Shannon B. Pighee, Joshua S. Bach (Colleen), Matthew T. Bach (Tina), and Johnathan S. Bach, along with many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Johnson and Katherlene Flake Johnson; his beloved wife, Delia Anne Johnson; his sister, Shirley Palmer; his brother-in-law, Clifford Palmer; and his nephew, David Johnson.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. The celebration of Ken's life will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:30 am. Both experiences will be hosted at Nie Family Funeral Home - 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, where friends and family are invited to share stories and honor the incredible man he was. For those who still want to join in the celebration virtually the link below will allow for you to do so for Monday's service.
Topic: Kenneth Johnson Funeral
Time: Oct 7, 2024 10:00 AM America/Detroit
Join Zoom Meeting: https://umich.zoom.us/j/92123987523
Meeting ID: 921 2398 7523
Passcode: Ken2024
Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Kenneth.