Kenneth M. Johnson

Kenneth M. Johnson, age 86, of Gulfport, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 in Gulfport. After joining the Army Air Corps in Illinois, he was one of the first soldiers to arrive in Biloxi in 1941 when Keesler Air Force Base was only a small encampment of about 20 men living in tents. He served during WWII and was active duty Air Force for 21 years reaching the rank of captain. His military retirement was followed by 17 years of federal civil service and 16 years as a Red Cross volunteer at Keesler Medical Center. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Vera Johnson, Maycel Cunningham, Marjorie Gossard, and Dorothy Johnson; three brothers, Floyd Johnson, Raymond Johnson, and Donald Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Vivian Marie Voivedich Johnson; two daughters, Kenise Johnston of Pass Christian, Jenise Bratzler (Kurt) of Long Beach; four sons, Jerry Johnson (Mary) of Oakvale, Terrence Johnson (Jacque) of Great Falls, MT Derald Johnson (Hea Sook) of Gulfport, Kieran Johnson (Joyce) of Lucedale; 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. The family prefers memorials to the American Heart Association, 2159 E. Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39507 or The American Lung Association of MS, P.O. Box 2178, Ridgeland, MS 39158 Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com