Robert L."Bob"Johnson

Robert L. Johnson "Bob", a faithful husband, wonderful father and grandfather and a friend to all, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Feb. 6, 2010. He was 79, a resident of Baton Rouge for 56 years and born in North Manchester, Ind. Arrangements are with Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 11, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation continues Friday, Feb. 12, at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, from 11 a.m. until religious service at noon. Burial in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge. Survived by his son, Tim Dean Johnson and wife Lori, Baton Rouge; son, Kelly Mark Johnson and wife Lynn, Walker; daughter, Ann Johnson Mobley and husband Mark, Ponchatoula; and son, Todd Robert Johnson and wife Elizabeth, Baton Rouge; seven grandchildren, Sydney, Matthew, Michele, Parker, William, Austin and Amanda; one brother, Wayne Johnson and wife Mary, Claypool, Ind.; and two sisters-in-law Kate Schipper Betz, Huntington, Ind., and Onita Johnson, North Manchester, Ind. Preceded in death by his parents, Homer Floyd and Golda Mae Johnson; brother, Louis Johnson; and loving wife of 57 years, Velma Schipper Johnson. Bob was a graduate of North Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and later attended graduate schools at Tulane, Harvard and Stanford. After receiving his degree in chemistry, he began working for Ethyl Corp. where he retired after 36 years of service. He held a number of positions at Ethyl Corp. in chemical research and development and last served as director of administration in research and development. He was a member of University United Methodist Church, a veteran of the Air Force, a member of the American Chemical Society, American Manufacturing Association, and the Society of Chemical Manufacturers. He was a past member of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and served on the East Baton Rouge Parish Airport Commission as vice chairman and was president of the University Acres Civic Association. Bob was a member of the University High Dad's Club for many years, and served on the "chain gang" for University High football games. Bob was a member of the famed Chester High School basketball team, a prohibitive underdog that defied the odds and nearly won the Indiana state championship, a la the movie "Hoosiers." In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.