Steven Joe Johns

Steve was born on August 21, 1950, in Kokomo, IN, to the late Mary Louise Johns-Cogill and Lewis Arthur Johns. He graduated from Greenwood Community High School in 1968 and married his love of life, Linda Sue Nicely, on November 23, 1968. He was a member of the United States Army National Guard from 1970-1975. Steve retired as a skilled trade journeyman from Ford Motor Company after 30 years of employment.

Steve was known for taking the time to help anyone he could. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix!! He loved his family dearly and enjoyed family gatherings, camping, playing dice with family and friends, watching IU basketball and NASCAR races.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Sue Johns; two daughters, Melissa Starnes (David Bauer) and Amy Larmore, both of Greenwood, IN.

His surviving family includes grandchildren Kyle Starnes (Samantha), Cody Starnes (Ally), and Gracie Larmore, as well as great-grandchildren Mason Starnes, Mila Starnes, Karter Starnes, and baby KJ Starnes (who is expected to arrive in 2026). He is also survived by his unofficial adoptive daughter, Lisa Smith.

Steve is also survived by his four siblings: Sondra Alford of Beech Grove, IN, Richard Johns (Patricia), Terry Crone, and David Johns (Michele), all of Greenwood, IN. He is survived by his six brothers/sisters-in-law: Jerry Nicely of Needville, TX, Brenda Garriott (Michael) of Falls City, NE, Anita Gaede (Marty) of Whiteland, IN, Keith Nicely (Terri) of Greenwood, IN, Angie Proctor (David) of Greenwood, IN, and Kevin Nicely (Carol) of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by several nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Johns-Cogill and Lewis Arthur Johns; grandson Kevin Starnes; mother and father-in-law Walter E. Nicely and Mildred A. Nicely; and several siblings-in-law including James Nicely, Connie Nicely, Ronald Alford, and Joe Crone.

A special thank you to Becki Nicely for her daily care and medical expertise she provided to Steve and Linda in the weeks leading up to his passing. Also, thank you to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their services.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12-4 pm at the Nire Event Center located at 740 E. Main Street, Whiteland, IN.