Bob Johnson

“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!” At 69 years old, Bob ended his journey in the early morning hours of Monday, August 29th, and what a ride it was. As a loving husband, father, friend, and patriot, Bob lived his life to the fullest.

Bob was born in 1942 in Benton, IL. Then his family found its way to Millersburg, IN. This was home for many years, but as Bob grew into manhood, he made his home in many places. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961, and served at Marine Corps Camp Pendleton in San Diego until 1965. His childhood love of horses continued during his time in the USMC as he participated in horse show gaming which included bareback and bull riding.

After finding the love of his life, Beverly, they were wed in Evansville in 1968, and began their family a few years later. As Bob became a parent, he developed new interests, and he encouraged and supported his family in everything they wanted to try. Bob became a Boy Scout Troop Leader in Franklin, TN, and later became an Adult Leader Trainer in Nashville, TN. Also, in Tennessee, the family discovered their love of soccer. Although they had no previous soccer experience, Bob & Bev signed 5 year old Bryan up for soccer and this decision began a lifelong odyssey for Bob - from soccer dad to soccer coach, referee, and many years as the announcer for the Franklin High School Soccer matches.

Another one of Bob’s true loves was the open road on two wheels. Motorcycle adventures with great friends were something he truly cherished. This included encouraging Beverly to ride beside him on her own two wheels. These trips provided opportunities for Bob & Bev to tour the U.S. and help ease the pains of their ‘empty nest syndrome’. His open road journeys led him to becoming a member of the Board of Regents for the Moonshine Lunch Run in Casey, IL and the ‘Associate Mayor’ of the Newburgh Donut Bank.

Bob retired from Atlas Van Lines World Headquarters in 2006 and was an Elder at Newburgh Presbyterian Church.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 43 years Beverly (Shelton) Johnson; son, Bryan Johnson of Nashville, TN; daughter, Blakely (Robert) Brown of Burlington, KY; grandchildren, Braeden & Ainsley Brown of Burlington, KY; sisters, Janice (Ray – deceased) May of Bonfield, IL, Pamela (Clyde) Taverner of Wichita, KS, and Deborah (Dan) deForest of Magnolia, TX; many nieces and nephews and one aunt. Bob was preceded in death by his parents E.E. ‘Chick’ Johnson and Ruth Elizabeth (Claybourn) Johnson Smith.

Visitation will be at Alexander North Chapel from 4:30 to 9 PM on Friday, September 2nd, and from 1 to 2 PM on Saturday, September, 3rd. Funeral Service will begin at 2 PM on Saturday at Alexander North Chapel with a graveside service immediately following at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to: Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.