Memorial for Gene E Johnson – #3298 March 30, 1936 – April 4, 2017

Gene E. Johnson passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Gene E. Johnson, 81, of Marysville died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, April 4th, at Memorial Hospital.

The day after high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Thorpe Motors, Marysville Automotive, then spent 10 years at the ORW Maintenance Department.

Gene was a graduate of the Urbana High School Class of 1954. He was a longtime member of St. Johns Lutheran Church where he served as an elder, greeter, usher and served on the Endowment Committee of the church. He was also a member of the St Johns Quilters at the church and helped sew over 100 Comfort Quilt tops for the Lutheran World Relief. He also was a lifetime member of the Heart of Ohio Fish and Game Club. He was an expert archer, and won several state championships, including New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska.

His love of wood working and carving led to his memberships in the International Wood Collectors Society, the Marion Whetstone Carvers, and the Columbus Chippers. A big supporter of the Allen Township Fire Department, he enjoyed talking with the first responders of the department and became the unofficial mayor of Allen Center.

Gene was born March 30, 1936 in Delaware County to the late Ralph and Hattie Dixon Johnson. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stacy, Walter, & Steve Johnson, son-in-law Van Johnson, and a nephew, Doug Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years the former Virginia Rausch whom he married December 21, 1957 at St. Johns Lutheran Church; their children, Brenda J. (Bob) Johnson-Gibbs of Monroe, Dan G. (Julie) Johnson of Milford Center; 2 grandchildren, Mikayla (Evan) Sharpshair, Ellee Johnson; 4 step grandchildren, Ross & Ali Gibbs, Kimberlee & Ashlee Booth; many nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

See: http://www.ingramfuneralservice.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=4184927&fh_id=13443