Steven Parks Johnson

Steven Parks Johnson was born in Topeka, Kansas, on April 21, 1944 to Thomas R. and Velma S. (Kout) Johnson and passed away, surrounded by loved ones on February 22, 2026. He attended Highland Park schools and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1962. He continued his education at Baker University as a member of Delta Tau Delta and graduated in 1966 with a degree in Sociology.

Shortly after graduation, he married Carol Jeanette Jeffery in Topeka, Kansas. His first position was with Miami County as a social worker and later in Johnson County as a children’s probation officer. They returned to Topeka in 1970 and made it their home. He went to work for the Texaco Company, and in 1978, he became a licensed real estate agent working first for Brosius & Slattery Realtors, then with Stan Metzger Real Estate. In 1990, Steve and Jeanette, along with four other couples, opened Prudential Realtors, which eventually became Berkshire Hathaway Home Services First Realtors. He and Jeantte were instrumental in developing several housing developments in Southeast Topeka with the most recent being the Oak Bend neighborhood, where he spent his last years. He retired in 2024 after helping countless individuals find their dream homes.

Steve was active in the Topeka Chamber of Commerce for many years, recruiting new members as a Diplomat and was named Chamber Member Volunteer of the Year in 1997. He volunteered for Capper Foundation’s ‘Evening as a Child” and was a board member and past President of Life House Child Advocacy Center. He was very passionate about their work and mission.

Steve played slow-pitch softball with the same group of guys and great friends for over 28 years and enjoyed his ‘House of Usher Tycoons’ investment club. He was a member of Tecumseh Methodist Church and coached his sons’ many baseball and basketball teams.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, John Johnson. Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Jeanette, sons Jeff (Penny) Ft. Worth, Texas, Tyler (Michelle) Topeka, Kansas, grandchildren Parks Johnson, Dallas, Texas and Macy Johnson, New York, New York.

Steve will be remembered for being a great Realtor, a passionate volunteer, a devoted husband and father, a slow-pitch softball player dubbed “Whiteshoes Johnson” and for his wicked sense of humor.

A celebration of Steve’s wonderful life will be held March 13th at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas. The visitation will begin at 2 p.m., with the service to follow at 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lifehouse Child Advocacy Center or Tecumseh United Methodist Church.

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