Lester Marion (Marty/Marnie) Johnson, Jr., age 64 died February 7 2021. He was born May 3, 1956 in Kansas City, KS the son of Lester Marion Johnson and Winifred Beryl (Brown) Johnson. He married the love of his life Christy Zeltner on October 16th, 2004.
Marty spent many years working as a Laborer for Local 1290 in construction.
Marty never met a stranger. He had the gift of gab and never missed an opportunity to get to know people and help them whenever he could. He would pull over on the side of the road to help a random stranger change a tire and never accept a dime, just a pay it forward he would say and he was off. He knew all the neighbors by name, when neighbors were having surgery, when they were having children. He considered himself a one-man Neighborhood Watch. He helped people move, fix their house, carry boxes from the auction house, fix their vehicle whatever they needed, he was there.
He took the most care of and pride in his wife, Christy. They were inseparable and enjoyed going to flea markets and traveling together with friends. They enjoyed fixing up furniture to sell in their many antique booths around town. While they loved going to places with friends, they really preferred each other’s company and packed forty years of memories in the short 16 years of marriage. She never had to make a pot of coffee in all the years of marriage and he would refill the cup as often as she needed. He gave the best foot rubs and drove her in the ice and snow. There was never a doubt of the love between them.
He was a big softie when it came to his dachshunds. Though they had many over the years, he was particularly attached to Fagen, his sausage girl and he cried when she died. He took complete care of all of them and relished every moment when he would lay on the floor to be slathered in their kisses.
He is survived by his wife, Christy and their dachshunds, Rocky, Walker, Fiona and Ellie of Kansas City, MO, brother, Robert Johnson of Kansas City, KS and Godmother and second mother, Janet Waugh of Kansas City, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents and dachshunds, Maggie, Fagen, Miles and DeeDee.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, February 21st at M&M Auction House, 2520 NW Vivion Road, Northmoor, MO 64150 from 1:00 to 4:00. It will be a come and go with Marty’s favorite foods, though a short service will be held around 2:00. It is a large facility where social distancing can be maintained and masks WILL BE REQUIRED. The family asks for guests not to wear suits, ties, dresses or anything fancy. Please dress casually.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Randi’s Rockin’ Dachshund Rescue, a Kansas City based non-profit dachshund rescue. Donations can be sent to Randi’s Rockin’ Dachshund Rescue 16530 Springdale, Leavenworth, KS 66048 or ScrapsKC whose mission is to bring comfort to the Kansas City homeless. Donations can be sent to ScrapsKC 3269 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, MO 64111. Please put for Marty Johnson Memorial on any checks so they know it is for him. Knowing that humans and furbabies are being taken care of would mean the world to him.
Marty you will be missed you are a special special man, a loving husband to your beautiful wife, Christy has a special place in our family she was my late sisters best friend. Marty and Christy both mean a lot to us. The first time I ever met Marty my ribs hurt so bad from laughing I thought I’d cracked a couple! He was a funny funny guy and a big help anytime you needed him. Rest in peace Marty ?❤
Christy, my dear friend and extra baby sister, I love you. I will do all I can to help you through each spaghetti strand as the next months roll out. Marty was always so helpful to me. I will remember him dropping us off at the front door of craft shows and picking us up at the front door when we were done (always first class valet service). He never hesitated to load my car up each week after the auction and always found me boxes and paper to wrap. I guess you could say he was my “auction hubby.” I know he was your support during the massive task of putting our wedding together and he even helped decorate, etc. He was definitely your right hand man and a whole lot more! I will miss him. I will be here for you as you miss him. Love, Ang
All our love Christy – you were so lucky to have each other.
Susan and Mark
So sorry for your loss Christy, I enjoyed getting to know Marty the little we interacted. My prayers are going up for you during this difficult time.
The love you shared with Marty was special and will always be with you. Prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. All my love,
Teresa Walters
Christie, Larry and I want you to know you are in our prayers. I know we haven’t seen you and Marty for a while but he Stopped by a lot when he was at his parents house or Robs. We will miss his good heart and sense of humor. I saw him alot when he was working for the Laborers Union but that was before you were married. I know how much Happier he was after meeting a very Special Lady and making her his Bride. Love you Christie, Big hugs Sweetie.??
Christy, obviously I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Marty, but by all accounts, I really missed out. He was clearly one of the good ones and touched the lives of everyone in his orbit. I’m happy that you had the joy and honor of being this wonderful man’s wife. You sure have a good picker and hit the jackpot in the husband lottery! The write up is a beautiful, fitting tribute to a life well-lived. Sending hugs across the miles…
Marty, I will not know what to do without filling you with desserts on Saturday night. Christy as always we love you and are here for you. He will always be there right with you. Prayers for peace and comfort. ?
What a true humanitarian. A happy free spirit that showed kindness to all. Will truly be missed