Arthur Brannon Johnson

Arthur B. Johnson Sr. was called home March 8, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. He was 93 years old. Art was born a healthy 12 lb. baby boy on June 26, 1932, to William R. Johnson and Bertha Johnson in Winfield, Kansas. Both preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Judith A. Johnson; son, Arthur B. Johnson Jr.; siblings: Porter Brown, Ruby Cox, Willie May Milton, Sue Jean Brooks, Lonnie Johnson, Parkie Johnson, Peggy Johnson; grandmother, Laura Brannon; aunt, Lola Brannon, several nieces, nephews, and other family/friends.

He graduated from Winfield High School. Arthur attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS from 1950-1953. Art took a break from college and joined the US Army Reserves on July 14, 1953. He achieved the rank of Corporal (CPL). Arthur was a responsible leader while he served in Germany. He separated from the USAR on May 10, 1955. Art decided to go back and finish school at Southwestern College in Winfield. He graduated from college in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Arthur moved to Kansas City, MO in 1956 with his wife Judith Johnson. Art and Judy married on September 14, 1956, in Newkirk, Oklahoma. They had three sons, Arthur B. Johnson Jr., Gregory Johnson, and Christopher Johnson.

Art accepted Christ at a young age. He and his wife joined Jamison Memorial Temple CME. Art served as an usher, treasurer and devoted member. He remained a member until his transition to Glory.

Arthur started working at the Social Security Administration on September 17, 1956. While working for the Social Security Administration, he became a member of AFGE Local 1336. Art became the first black union president in 1964. He enjoyed traveling all over the world, going to union conventions and standing up for rights. In 1995, Art retired from the Social Security Administration. Even after retiring he continued to be heavily involved in AFGE, he often attended meetings. Arthur was proud and dedicated to AFGE the majority of his life. In 2022, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award. Art made a huge impact at AFGE, and his legacy will live on forever. His passing date was the 75th anniversary of the founding of AFGE Local 1336.

Arthur was always serving his community. He served as Board President and Treasurer of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council for many years. Art worked at H&R block as a tax preparer for several years. He eventually retired from there but continued to do taxes at home for his family, church members, and friends. Arthur worked hard his whole life; he used to go to work with his dad who was a janitor. He went to work with his dad one day and ended up being hired as a dishwasher. Art would express how he got his work ethic from his father. Growing up, his chore was helping his dad cut wood for the stove.

Arthur leaves to cherish his memory; two sons: Gregory Johnson and Christopher Johnson; sister, Laura Mathis; daughter-in-law, Brenda Johnson; four grandchildren, Brandi Artis (Brittany), Brandon Finch, Shaneice Finch, and Deja Finch; eleven great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Finch, Demi Finch, Britton Artis, Braylei Artis, Rylei Rule Finch, Brayelle Finch, Brandon Finch Jr., Kimora Finch, Kariyah Cobbins, Khloe Williamson, and Ryder Finch; nephews, Keith Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, Mark Johnson, and Howard Milton; nieces, Joyce Johnson, Venita, Sandra Dorsey, Priest Wofford Owens, Yvette Ennis. Special daughters Deborah Love and Barbara Finch; cousin, Barbara Brunt; special bonds, Saundra Finch, Ada Johnson, Rhonda Morris, Doris Major, Ethel Johnson, AFGE members, Jamison members, and a host of other relatives and friends.