Kenneth Irving Johnson Jr., 84, of Yucaipa, California, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, honor, service, and memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Born on January 18, 1942, in Mount Kisco, New York, Kenneth lived a life defined by courage, integrity, faith, and an unwavering devotion to his family. For 65 beautiful years, he was married to the love of his life, Dianne Joan Johnson. Their marriage was a true example of unconditional, honest, and enduring love. Kenneth showed his children what it meant to love by the way he loved their mother—steadfastly, faithfully, and completely.

Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing multiple tours in Vietnam. After his honorable service in the Marines, he continued his commitment to protecting and serving others through a career with the United States Border Patrol.

He later dedicated 30 years of his life to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, serving as a Sheriff's Detective and serving his community in many different capacities. Throughout his years of service, Kenneth carried himself with the same qualities that defined him throughout his life: honor, integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to doing what was right. To his family, Kenneth was so much more than a Marine, a law enforcement officer, or a respected member of his community. He was Dad. He was Grandpa. He was Great-Grandpa. He was the person you knew would always be there.

Kenneth was a man larger than life, with a heart of gold. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. With him, you always felt protected. His presence brought a sense of safety and reassurance that was impossible to replace. He loved fiercely, honestly, and without conditions.

After retirement, Kenneth and Dianne enjoyed traveling the world together, creating memories and experiencing life side by side. Yet some of his happiest moments were often the simplest ones—being surrounded by his family, going to garage sales on Saturdays, fishing, shooting, and never missing his coffee and donut from Ty. These everyday traditions are now treasured memories that his family will carry with them forever.

Kenneth was also a man of deep faith. Sundays were spent at church, where his faith remained an important part of his life. He lived his beliefs not only through his faith, but through the way he treated people, the way he served others, and the way he loved his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dianne Joan Johnson; his children, Lynn Johnson; Kenneth Johnson and wife Lisa Johnson; William Johnson and wife Ana Johnson; Michele Lehto and husband Mark Lehto; and Brandi Mullins and husband Brian Mullins.

He leaves behind grandchildren William Johnson and wife Jessica Johnson, Sabrina Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Leilani Lehto, Kenny Johnson and fiancé Sara, Amanda Linstad and husband Ryan Linstad, Brooklin Mullins and fiancé Andrew, Kamerlin Mullins, ShayLynn Lis, Collin Mullins, Kaitlan DeSoto and husband Zander DeSoto, Robert Brethauer, Matthew Brethauer as well as great-grandchildren Owen Johnson, Easton Johnson, Haisley Johnson, Avangelina Cabreja, Elliot Cabreja, Rosalie Johnson, Jezlee Rodriguez, Paislee Lehto, Isabella Lehto, Aunalee Lis, Luca DeSoto, Aurelia Mullins, and Axton Mullins. Niece Emily Keinz and Nephew Bryan Keinz. Sister Cheryl Chiarenza and many more family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Garrett Nunnelee and Gregory Lehto. The number of lives Kenneth touched cannot be measured by the years he lived, but by the love he gave, the people he protected, the community he served, and the family he built. He taught his children the meaning of strength, the importance of honesty, the value of faith, and most importantly, what true love looks like. His grandchildren and great- grandchildren will carry pieces of him forward—the stories, the lessons, the laughter, the traditions, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

Kenneth was a man of honor. A man of integrity. A man of faith. A devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a cherished great-grandfather, a Marine, a protector, and a friend.

His family will miss his voice, his presence, his stories, his traditions, and the comfort of knowing he was always there. Although our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the 84 years we were blessed to have him with us and for the 65 years of love he shared with our mom. He spent his life protecting the people he loved and serving those around him.

Now it is time for him to rest.

Semper Fidelis, Dad.

You were loved more than words could ever say, and you will be missed more than you will ever know.

Until we meet again.