Pastor Reuben K. Johnson

Suffragan Bishop Reuben Karl Johnson was born on July 15, 1953, to Elder James A. and Sister Josephine B. (Solomon) Johnson in St. Louis, MO. Reuben was the third child of seven, and the only son. Reuben was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age at Bethesda Temple Church, under the Pastorate of his father, the late Bishop James A. Johnson. He was very active in the ministry of the church, serving in various capacities including the Music and Youth ministries. After exhibiting true faithfulness and dedication to his ministerial duties, he was elevated to serve as one of the Assistant Pastors of the church. Though an astute erudite in the Word of God, Reuben was also a lover of music, particularly gospel and jazz. His church musical skills were exhibited when he was part of the gospel group, Touch, whose members included some of his sisters and friends. Reuben was educated in the St. Louis City School District, attending Hempstead, Kennard, and Mallinckrodt Elementary Schools and Hanley Junior High School. He graduated from University City Senior High School in 1971. While in high school, he participated in track, basketball and football. After high school, Reuben attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL. He majored in Psychology, and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Additionally, he took Theology courses at Concordia Seminary in Clayton, MO. Reuben relocated to Chicago, Illinois for a short period of time, where he attended the Apostolic Church of God, pastored by the late Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. It was during this time that Reuben was called into the ministry. While living in Chicago, he was employed at Ozark Airlines. After a few years, he returned to St. Louis and was employed at the Lincoln Industrial Corporation on Goodfellow. On October 3, 1981, Reuben was joined in Holy Matrimony to Sister Martha A. Charlot, and they were happily married for nearly 44 years. To their union, four beautiful children were born: Lindsey, James, Shaina, and Rachel. Reuben enjoyed several hobbies including jogging, bicycling, and walking. However, most of all he loved spending time in “The Word of God”. In January of 1988, Reuben was called to pastor Bethel Pentecostal Church in Kansas City, KS. The church was later renamed to New Bethel Church, and Reuben pastored there for a total of 16 years. Under his pastorate, many souls were saved, a mortgage was burned, and various ministries were developed and expanded. Pastor Reuben Johnson was a member of the Northwestern District Council [NWDC], now known as the Heart of America District Council, an affiliate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. He served as General Secretary of the NWDC for a season. During his tenure there, Pastor Reuben was elevated to the office of District Elder and then Suffragan Bishop. Reuben was employed at Hy-Vee Grocery Store as a Meat Cutter for nearly 20 years. While employed there, he assisted in Customer Service Training and was featured in one of the company’s regionally televised commercials. He received several accolades for his high quality of work and excellent service to the public. Many of his customers bestowed great commendations upon him for the excellent quality of service that they regularly received from him. Oftentimes, he was even specifically requested by name for service. Reuben touched many lives and left a lasting impression on people. He “never met a stranger”, often engaging in exciting conversation with people whom he had just met. He genuinely loved people, and above all, loved sharing God’s Love and “The Word of God” with them. Reuben made his transition from this life to eternal glory on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Preceding him in death are his father, Bishop James A. Johnson; his mother, First Lady Josephine B. Johnson; and his sisters, Carol Nellie; and Donna Rose Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Martha; four children, Mrs. Lindsey Renee’ (Derek) Calloway; and James Archie Johnson II both of Los Angeles, CA; Shaina Nichole Johnson; and Rachel Elaine Johnson both of Lenexa, KS; two grandchildren, Isabelle Miley Johnson; and Kaleb Prince Calloway; four sisters, Mrs. Jacqueline B. (Eld. Earl) Collier; Dr. Sharon L. Johnson; Mrs. Brenda M. (William) Woods of St. Louis, MO; and Mrs. La Verne C. (Dr. George) Alford of Houston, TX; nieces, Evang. Carmen L. Collier of St. Louis, MO; Dr. Yakira R. Alford of Houston, TX; nephew, Douglas J. Collier of Las Vegas, NV; adopted daughter, Coree Johnson; and her son, Evan Canty of St. Louis, MO; and a host of other relatives; and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Friday September 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Victorious Life Church 3400 Paseo Blvd KCMO 64109. Interment: Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Pastor Reuben K. Johnson

July 15, 1953 - August 20, 2025