They Will be Missed

In a very short time, Kansas City lost four of its legendary leaders. We may never see their likes again.

Jack Lockton Jack Lockton was born in Kansas City and lived here all of his life. He transformed his family's mom and pop insurance agency into a recognized force throughout the insurance industry. A strong believer in community, Jack always made sure the Lockton Companies were at the highest level of participation in United Way. He served on the boards of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the University of Missouri at Kansas City, the Midwest Research Institute, the Kansas City Crime Commission, the Kansas City Area Economic Development Council and won more well deserved awards for good citizenship and great entrepreneurial skills than could fit in anyone's trophy room.

Joan Bowman After a three-year struggle with cancer Joan Bowman died much too young. She had devoted nearly 25 years of her life to public service and leadership in Lenexa and greater Kansas City. She presided two terms as Lenexa's mayor from 1995 to 2003. She served as Lenexa city council member from 1988-1995. And she was also on the Shawnee Mission School Board from 1981-1988. "We are deeply saddened," said current Lenexa mayor Mike Boehm, "as our community has lost a friend and great leader."

Herman Johnson Herman Johnson lived a long and eventful life. A successful businessman in Kansas City, Johnson also served with the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, was a branch president of the NAACP, a Missouri state representative, and a founding member of the Local Investment Commission. He was also one of the first African-Americans to serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and was also a long-standing member of the influential Kansas City Civic Council. "He was up at first light," says Greg Baker of his mentor, "and never missed a meeting that would advance his causes."

Marjorie Grant It is hard to believe that one person could do as much as useful and diverse good work as Marjorie Grant. Even in the later years of her life, she served as Chairman of the Board of Variety--the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City. She was a great supporter and patron of the Midwest Bioethics Center, working to advance the dignity and health of all people. She served on the Board of the National Conference for Community and Justice and on the Public Relations and Marketing Team of Rockhurst University. Long associated with AMC, whose literacy programs she championed, Marjorie Grant will be deeply missed..."