Johnny Lee “John” Brogdon, age 71, passed away at his home in Overland Park, KS on July 23, 2025, after a recent diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer.
He was born on December 25, 1953 in Olathe, KS to James E. (Jim) and Jessie F. (Stout) Brogdon. John grew up in Olathe until 1959 when the family moved to Overland Park.
He graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1972, then on to school to become a jeweler. He worked at the top jewelry stores in the Kansas City area for many years. After retiring from the jewelry business, he had the opportunity to work with his son, Mike, in the field of surgical instrument repair.
John settled 5 houses away from his childhood home on Santa Fe Drive in the early 1980’s. He loved Blues music, historical airplanes, cars and motorcycles, hunting, camping, and playing cards. He also had several hobbies throughout the years, including woodworking, cooking, and collecting items in a variety of areas- coins, baseball cards, and unique guns were just a few of his most prized possessions.
John was a loving father and grandfather. His favorite activities included camping and riding dirt bikes when Mike was a child. In the more recent years, the two enjoyed float trips with Mike’s friends, and cooking with new BBQ techniques. For the Brogdon children, Papa John was a rockstar! He was always up for a visit to the zoo, enjoyed playing cards and board games on a Friday night, and listening to all the latest updates on school and activities for the girls.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Jessie Brogdon. He is survived by his son, Michael (Laura) Brogdon of Shawnee, Kansas; and 3 grandchildren, Haley, Rylee, and James Brogdon.
Visitation will be Monday, July 28, 2025 from 4:00-6:00pm at Porter Funeral Homes; 8535 Monrovia Lenexa, KS 66215.