Minor Johnson

Minor Kevin Johnson, Sr., affectionately known as "Kevin," was born on January 5, 1960, in St. Ives, England. His parents, Tech Sergeant, Minor P. Johnson (Retired Air Force) and Rose Marie Johnson were stationed overseas during this time. He was the only brother with three sisters, Arlene Brassfield, Charlotte Lee, and Venetcia Green. He graduated from Manual High School where he played Varsity Football. His love of football continued throughout his life as he was a huge Denver Bronco fan. Kevin accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Denver Gospel Hall, in Denver, Colorado. His faith remained a strong component of his character throughout his life and he leaned on the strength of the Lord to help him endure the challenges of his complicated medical issues. Kevin loved life and loved making a "buck." He started an enterprising lawn and snow removal service at the age of 10. At age 15, he began a career in food service where he worked diligently to advance from dishwasher to general manager of local restaurants such as Bob's Big Boy, IHOP, and Oscar's Steakhouse. Many people down on their luck benefited from Kevin's kind heart and giving spirit. He never turned anyone away from his restaurants, if they were in need of a hot meal. Happily, he paid for their meal out of his own salary. He was blessed with many enduring friendships: Terry, Marty, Derrick, Billy, twins Donald and Ronald, Tyrone H., Ralph, Miss Gloria, Ruby, Oscar and many more. Kevin loved to laugh and help others find their laugher, especially if they were having a bad day. During the final years of his life, he spent a great deal of time at St. Joseph's Hospital, ManorCare Health Services and DaVita Dialysis Center. He was well liked and loved by his medical doctors, nurses and staff members. His medical team, often commented on Kevin's amazing good nature and his positive attitude. Kevin was deeply touched by the outstanding level of care and genuine concern he received from all of the doctors, nurses and staff members entrusted to his care. He wanted to personally thank each of them for their time and dedication to his care. He especially wanted to thank Geoffrey Block, MD, CCRI who developed a warm friendship with Kevin which included many off duty visits with his amazing wife and children in-tow. He also wanted to thank Chris Caniatti, Director of Rehabilitation, at ManorCare Health Services, who with his team of experts provided excellent rehab care. Kevin deeply loved his children, Amber Virtue, Minor Kevin Johnson Jr., and Patrick Bills. He worked tirelessly to provide for them as a single father. He will miss them dearly, but knows they are strong and will prevail amidst his passing. He is eternally grateful for their love and support, especially during the years of his declining health where they and his sister, Charlotte, worked diligently as his primary caregivers. He wants to personally ask friends and relatives to embrace his children and keep them close and in their prayers. Minor Kevin Johnson Sr. departed this life to embrace the Lord on March 25, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory include, his beloved parents Minor and Rose Marie Johnson, his three sisters, Arlene Brassfield, Charlotte Lee, and Venetcia Green, brother-in-law, Greg; his beloved children, Amber Virtue, Minor Kevin Johnson Jr., Patrick Bills; two adorable grandchildren, Isaiah and Macen Bills; his unofficial adopted son Tyrone Rhodes and a bounty of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives and many cherished friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/1/2015 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/1/2015 at 2:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 4/1/2015 - Following the Service Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO