Melvin Johnson

Melvin Johnson was born to Lem & Gertha Johnson on October 10th, 1942 in Ringgold, LA.  He was the middle child of seven boys and one girl born to this union. Melvin attended the local elementary and middle school and later graduated from Southside High School in 1961. 

Shortly thereafter he relocated to Kansas City, Missouri in 1962, where he became a local barber at John Swindale Barbershop on 35th & Indiana.  It was during this course of time that Melvin met the love of his life Ms. Ada Brookes. Melvin & Ada were married on June 25th, 1967 also joined to this union was Ada’s only child Marilyn Standifer who was seven years old at the time. 

Melvin continued to perfect his craft in the community as a barber serving the greater Kansas City area for nearly 50 years. To this craft Melvin also was passionate about fishing and grilling. Birth from that Melvin started his love for barbecue, which lead up to the grand opening of Champion Barbecue Restaurant in Lees Summit, Missouri in the early 90’s.  This love continued to grow even after the close of the restaurant, where Melvin owned a food truck and remained faithful to serve the community for nearly 15 years with his delicious recipes and sauce.  

Melvin loved God (whom he accepted at an early age and rededicated to him this year), Family and Food! He was a testament to being a community pillar. 

Melvin had several loved ones who has proceeded him in his death: His only child Marilyn D. Standifer; his grand-daughter Treshon D. Barnett; both his parents Lem & Gertha Johnson; his brothers Elton, James and Andrew Johnson. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife of 52 years Ada Johnson, grandson Marshaad D Barnett Sr, great grands: Tayla D. Barnett, Terrence L Walls, Tylen C. Walls, Trayce A Walls, TaRon CD Bradley and  Marshaad D Barnett Jr. Also he leaves his surviving siblings: LeArthur (Carrie) Johnson of Henderson, NV; Paul Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; Louis “Sonny” Johnson of Eldorado, Ak and Dorris (Joe) Powell of Eldorado, Ak. He also leaves a host of relatives and close friends.

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