Gary Randall Johnson

Gary Randall Johnson, 73, of Haldeman, Kentucky, went to be with Jesus, his new found friend and Savior on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

Born May 25, 1951, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Hallie Edward Wilford Johnson and Bertlee Rice Johnson.

Gary graduated from Rowan County High School in 1969 and moved to Valparaiso, Indiana where he lived until 2013. Gary was a machinist at US Steel Gary Works where he worked for 37 years, retiring in 2006.

Gary had many hobbies over the years. He was an artist and loved to paint and draw. He was a model ship builder, and an avid reader. He enjoyed camping, fishing, shooting and small game hunting.

Gary loved everything about Christmas, the music and movies, decorating and gift wrapping, and gathering with family and friends. But after an 11th hour conversion, this Christmas will be different. He’s spending it with Jesus, the One whose birth we celebrate. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Timothy “Timmy” Allen Johnson and three brothers, Otto Johnson, Ellis Johnson, and Donnie Johnson. 

Survivors include his devoted wife of 39 years, Mari Clemans Johnson, whom he married October 5, 1985 in Valparaiso, Indiana, one son, Phillip Johnson (Amy) of Wheatfield, Indiana, and one daughter, Penny Denecho (Ed) of Union Mills, Indiana. 

Gary was blessed with six grandchildren: Jordan Johnson (Corbin), Christian Johnson (Lili), Cameron Tarchala, Caitlyn Johnson, Madison Tarchala and Brayden Denecho; two great-grandsons, Kane Johnson and Koe Johnson; two bonus great-grandchildren, Nova and Eli; and one brother, James Johnson (Melinda) of Morehead, Kentucky.

He had three special brothers-in-law, Ed Clemans of Valparaiso, Indiana, Kris Clemans of Michigan City, Indiana, and John Clemans of Portage, Indiana, two special sisters-in-law, Suzanne Reithel of York, Pennsylvania and Sarah Clemans of Valparaiso, Indiana, his mother-in-law, Vivian McKenzie (Paul) of Valparaiso, Indiana, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary made a lot of friends in his life-time, and John and Debbie Gutierrez of Hobart, Indiana were his closest. He loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed a good conversation with anyone he met.

Gary was dearly loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to his brother, James, sister-in-law, Melinda, and brother-in-law, Ed for all their help during Gary’s illness. And to his devoted daughter, Penny who spent hours researching the best care and treatment for her dad.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Johnson First Church of God with Pastor Ben Furman officiating.

Visitation is from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon Thursday at the church.

Burial at a later date will be in the New Sill Cemetery at Haldeman.

Contributions are suggested to Johnson First Church of God BEAR Fund or Food Pantry, 590 Cranston Road, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home, 808 Old Flemingsburg Road in Morehead is caring for all arrangements for Gary Randall Johnson.

The service will be livestreamed on the Johnson Church Facebook Page and Website.