Warren Kenneth Johnson

Warren Kenneth Johnson was born March 31, 1929 in Chicago, Ill., to Helen Evelyn Johnson and Wilbur Ayers Johnson. He went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 22, 2006, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Vera Johnson.

Warren moved to Joplin in 2004 from Santa Clarita, Calif., after having spent more than 40 years there. His life in California was full and civic minded. He worked in the printing business for more than 25 years. He was involved with creating the design concepts for a veteran's memorial in his home town of Santa Clarita. This memorial, The Veterans Historical Plaza was a vision come true and was built in 2005. He also joined the Citizens Transportation Committee and helped map out several new arterial roads through raw land as the city began to grow.

After moving to Missouri, he enjoyed the change of pace and began to put his talents to work in the local community. He was very active in many local organizations including becoming the Director of Public Relations of the Joplin Pure Water Association, assisting in a petition drive against a new international property maintenance code and providing a series of videos and talks at the Joplin Public Library titled "Rebuilding America." Warren was an accomplished writer having published a book "Abraham, Father of Many Nations" as well as a prolific writer. His talents did not end there as he was an artist with a legacy of paintings and art pieces. He was a loving grandfather who enjoyed family events, dinners and always a game of horseshoes. He will be sorely missed as a loving husband and father and friend.

He is also survived by his children, Mark Quarantello who is predeceased, Sue Quarantello of Ocean View, Hawaii, Bruce Quarantello and wife, Gena of Westlake, Calif., Matthew Johnson and his wife, Wendy of Saugus, Calif., and Christian Johnson and his wife, Katrina of Walker, Mo.; his grandchildren Rebecca Bishop of La Mesa, Ariz., and Sophie Johnson of Saugus, Calif.; extended family and loved ones here in Missouri.

Graveside services with Military Honors and interment were held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 24, at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City, Mo., with Dan Gayman officiating. The Church of Israel provided the musical selections. Memorials are suggested to the Jubilee Christian School in Joplin, Mo.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.